1. Lunn’s Art Shop
City/Town: Ringwood
Postal Code: BH24 1DG
Street Address: 13-15 Christchurch Rd
Country: UK
2. Valentino’s Displays Ltd
City/Town: Southampton
Postal Code: SO31 6QA
Street Address: 22 Hunts Pond Rd
Country: UK
3. Hobbs Hobbies & Hardware
City/Town: Stowmarket
Postal Code: IP14 6AT
Street Address: Stonham Barns Pettaugh Rd
Country: UK
4. Torquay Photo Centre
City/Town: Torquay
Postal Code: TQ2 5PL
Street Address: 8 Union St
Country: UK
5. Sewcraft Ltd
City/Town: Swindon
Postal Code: SN1 1SD
Street Address: 32-33 Havelock St
Country: UK
6. Harts of Maidstone
City/Town: Tonbridge
Postal Code: TN12 9LN
Street Address: Widehurst Stable Thorn Rd
Country: UK
7. Blunts Joinery Supplies
City/Town: Leicester
Postal Code: LE1 2DG
Street Address: 87 Crafton St East
Country: UK
8. Gaza Timber
City/Town: Tonbridge
Postal Code: TN11 8PL
Street Address: Unit 4 Gaza Trading Estate, Scabharbour Rd
Country: UK
9. Discount Tiles
City/Town: Stockton-On-Tees
Postal Code: TS18 2NR
Street Address: Portrack Lane
Country: UK
10. The Art Side
City/Town: Plymouth
Postal Code: PL1 1QX
Street Address: 42 Mayflower St
Country: UK
11. Ecclesbourne Interiors
City/Town: Belper
Postal Code: DE56 4HH
Street Address: 8 Ecclesbourne Meadows
Country: UK
12. The Artery
City/Town: Banbury
Postal Code: OX16 5LY
Street Address: 21 Parsons St
Country: UK
13. Genny’s Emporium
City/Town: London
Postal Code: SE13 6BG
Street Address: 19 Lewis Grove
Country: UK
14. Creatures Great & Small
City/Town: Billericay
Postal Code: CM12 9DF
Street Address: 144 High Street
Country: UK
15. Lawrence Art Supplies
City/Town: Hove
Postal Code: BN3 5HR
Street Address: 36 Kingsthorpe Rd
Country: UK
16. Bee Crafty Bee Happy
City/Town: Deal
Postal Code: CT14 7DX
Street Address: 49 The Strand
Country: UK
17. Sure Signs
City/Town: Kingswinford
Postal Code: DY6 7AP
Street Address: Unit 30a Dawley Trading Estate, Stallings Lane
Country: UK
18. Mfab Ltd
City/Town: Warrington
Postal Code: WA4 4PU
Street Address: Big Merry Fall Farm, Goosebrook Lane
Country: UK
19. Winchester Framing
City/Town: Winchester
Postal Code: SO23 9BH
Street Address: 2-3 Bridge St
Country: UK
20. Harrison & Hargreaves
City/Town: Malton
Postal Code: YO17 7LL
Street Address: 15-17 Saville St
Country: UK
21. RYAN PGT Prizes Gifts Trophies
City/Town: Stockport
Postal Code: SK4 2PF
Street Address: 143 Wellington Road North
Country: UK
22. D G R Building Maintenance Ltd
City/Town: Southport
Postal Code: PR8 5AN
Street Address: Suite B 1st floor Offices 155, Shakespeare St
Country: UK
23. Lacey’s Art
City/Town: Open Now
Street Address:
Country: UK
24. The Art Shops
City/Town: Ilkley
Postal Code: LS29 9DU
Street Address: Hawksworth St
Country: UK
25. Creativity
City/Town: Bristol
Postal Code: BS8 2UF
Street Address: 7-9 Worrall Road
Country: UK
26. Art Works Gallery
City/Town: London
Postal Code: SW15 1JP
Street Address: 26 Lower Richmond Rd
Country: UK
27. Cass Art
City/Town: London
Postal Code: WC2H 0EP
Street Address: 13 Charing Cross Rd
Country: UK
28. Atlantis Art Supplies
City/Town: London
Postal Code: E1 5JL
Street Address: Britannia House, 68-80 Hanbury St
Country: UK
29. GreatArt London
City/Town: London
Postal Code: E2 8AG
Street Address: 41-49 Kingsland Rd
Country: UK
30. Hobbycraft
City/Town: London
Postal Code: SW11 5BA
Street Address: Unit 1 Parkfield Industrial Estate, Battersea Park Rd
Country: UK
31. Jackson’s Art Supplies
City/Town: London
Postal Code: N16 7SX
Street Address: 1 Farleigh Pl
Country: UK
32. Ink & Paper
City/Town: London
Postal Code: WC2H 8NA
Street Address: 20 Denmark St
Country: UK
33. Green & Stone
City/Town: London
Postal Code: SW3 6HY
Street Address: 251-253 Fulham Rd
Country: UK
34. Paperchase
City/Town: London
Postal Code: W1T 1RH
Street Address: 13 Tottenham Court Rd
Country: UK
35. London Graphic Centre
City/Town: London
Postal Code: WC2H 9JL
Street Address: 16-18 Shelton St
Country: UK
36. Shepherds Falkiners
City/Town: London
Postal Code: WC1B 4AR
Street Address: 76 Southampton Row
Country: UK
37. The Pen Shop
City/Town: London
Postal Code: EC4A 2AB
Street Address: 107-111 Fleet St
Country: UK
38. Pullingers Art Shop
City/Town: Kingston upon Thames
Postal Code: KT1 1LL
Street Address: 15 High St
Country: UK
39. Coln Gallery
City/Town: Lechlade
Postal Code: GL7 3AP
Street Address: 22 Burford St
Country: UK
40. Broad Canvas
City/Town: Oxford
Postal Code: OX1 3AS
Street Address: 20 Broad St
Country: UK
41. Cowling & Wilcox
City/Town: Bristol
Postal Code: BS1 5LA
Street Address: 86 Park St
Country: UK
42. Art Republic
City/Town: Brighton
Postal Code: BN1 1RD
Street Address: 13 Bond St
Country: UK
43. Clarkes Stationers
City/Town: East Grinstead
Postal Code: RH19 3AS
Street Address: 22 High St
Country: UK
44. Colourstream Ltd
City/Town: Lewes
Postal Code: BN7 2AD
Street Address: 3-5 High St
Country: UK
45. Truro Arts Company
City/Town: Truro
Postal Code: TR1 2SJ
Street Address: 26 River St
Country: UK
46. Art & Office
City/Town: Rye
Postal Code: TN31 7JL
Street Address: 34 High St
Country: UK
47. Hobbycraft
City/Town: London
Postal Code: SW1V 1LF
Street Address: 2-4 Bridge Pl
Country: UK
48. The Art House
City/Town: London
Postal Code: E17 4QH
Street Address: 178 Hoe St, Walthamstow
Country: UK
49. Turner’s Art Shop
City/Town: Yeovil
Postal Code: BA20 1RF
Street Address: 9 High St
Country: UK
50. The Range
City/Town: Gosport
Postal Code: PO12 3UH
Street Address: North Rd Retail Park, Forton Rd
Country: UK
Art supply stores in England play a crucial role in supporting artists of all levels, from beginners to professionals, by providing a diverse range of materials and tools necessary for various forms of artistic expression. These stores not only sell products but often serve as community hubs where artists can gather, share ideas, and participate in workshops. This discussion will explore the types of art supply stores found in England, the products they offer, the services they provide, and the impact of online shopping on traditional retail.
Types of Art Supply Stores in England
- Independent Art Supply Stores: Independent art supply stores are typically small, locally-owned businesses that offer a curated selection of art materials. These stores often pride themselves on their knowledgeable staff who can provide personalized recommendations and advice tailored to the needs of their customers. Examples include Cass Art, which has several locations across London and other cities, and Blick Art Materials, known for its wide variety of products and strong community focus. Independent stores often foster a sense of community and support local artists through events and workshops.
- Chain Art Supply Stores: Larger chain stores, such as Hobbycraft, are more prevalent in the UK and offer a wide variety of arts and crafts supplies, including painting, drawing, and crafting materials. These stores typically feature a comprehensive range of products at competitive prices due to their buying power. Chain stores often have multiple locations, making them accessible to a larger audience. They also host events and classes to attract customers and engage the community.
- Specialized Art Supply Stores: Some stores focus on specific types of art supplies, such as fine art materials, printmaking supplies, or digital art tools. For example, The Art Shop in Nottingham offers a range of materials specifically for fine artists, including high-quality papers, canvases, and paints. Paperchase specializes in stationery and paper products, catering to artists who require high-quality papers for drawing, watercolor, or printing.
- Online Art Supply Retailers: Online retailers have become increasingly popular, providing convenience and often a wider selection of products than brick-and-mortar stores. Websites like Jackson’s Art Supplies and Artdiscount offer extensive catalogs of art materials, often with competitive pricing. Online shopping allows artists to compare prices easily and find niche products that may not be available locally. Additionally, many online retailers provide educational resources, tutorials, and inspiration for artists.
- Art Supply Workshops and Studios: Some art supply stores also function as studios or workshops, where customers can learn new techniques or participate in creative classes. These venues often provide access to specialized tools and materials that artists can use during workshops. Stores like The London Graphic Centre offer classes in various techniques, such as watercolor painting, drawing, and graphic design.
Products Offered by Art Supply Stores
- Painting Supplies:
- Acrylic, Oil, and Watercolor Paints: Art supply stores offer a wide variety of paint types, including professional-grade and student-grade options. Brands like Winsor & Newton, Daler-Rowney, and Liquitex are commonly stocked.
- Brushes and Palette Knives: These stores carry various brushes in different shapes and sizes, as well as palette knives for mixing and applying paint.
- Drawing Materials:
- Pencils, Charcoal, and Pastels: Art supply stores provide a range of drawing materials, including graphite pencils, colored pencils, charcoal sticks, and pastels, catering to both fine artists and sketching enthusiasts.
- Sketchbooks and Paper: A variety of papers designed for different mediums, including drawing pads, watercolor paper, and sketchbooks, are available for artists to choose from.
- Printmaking Supplies:
- For artists interested in printmaking, stores offer linocut and woodcut tools, inks, and printing presses. Many stores also provide specialized papers suitable for printmaking.
- Craft Supplies:
- Many art supply stores also offer a selection of craft materials, including glue, scissors, markers, and embellishments, catering to a wider audience interested in crafting and DIY projects.
- Sculpture and 3D Art Supplies:
- For sculptors, stores provide clay, sculpting tools, and materials for various techniques, including modeling, casting, and assemblage.
- Digital Art Supplies:
- With the rise of digital art, many stores now carry graphics tablets, styluses, and software for digital illustration and graphic design.
- Specialty Products:
- Some art supply stores offer unique or hard-to-find materials, such as encaustic wax, special varnishes, or artist-grade mediums that can enhance the creative process.
Services Provided by Art Supply Stores
- Workshops and Classes: Many art supply stores host workshops and classes taught by experienced artists. These sessions provide an opportunity for customers to learn new techniques, experiment with different materials, and connect with fellow artists. Workshops may cover topics such as painting, drawing, printmaking, or even digital art.
- Personalized Advice and Support: Knowledgeable staff at independent art supply stores often provide personalized advice to help customers select the right materials for their specific needs. Whether an artist is a beginner looking for starter supplies or a professional seeking high-quality materials, staff can offer valuable insights.
- Product Demos: Some stores host product demonstrations where customers can see how specific materials work before making a purchase. These demos can be particularly helpful for artists looking to try new techniques or products.
- Art Community Engagement: Many stores engage with the local art community by hosting events, exhibitions, and competitions. These initiatives provide a platform for local artists to showcase their work and foster a sense of community.
- Online Resources: Many art supply retailers provide online resources, including tutorials, blogs, and inspiration galleries. These resources help artists expand their knowledge and skills, making the stores more than just a place to purchase supplies.
Impact of Online Shopping
The rise of online shopping has significantly impacted traditional art supply stores. Many artists now prefer the convenience of purchasing supplies from online retailers, often finding better prices and a wider selection. However, this shift also presents challenges for brick-and-mortar stores. To compete, many physical stores have developed their online presence, offering e-commerce options and promoting their unique products and services.
Online shopping also allows artists to access niche materials that may not be available in local stores, expanding their creative possibilities. However, many artists still value the in-person experience of visiting a local art supply store, as it provides opportunities for hands-on exploration of materials, personalized advice, and community engagement.
Conclusion
Art supply stores in England are essential resources for artists of all backgrounds, providing a wide range of products, services, and support. From independent shops that foster community to larger chain stores with extensive inventories, these establishments play a vital role in the creative ecosystem. As the market evolves, particularly with the rise of online shopping, art supply stores must continue to adapt to meet the needs of their customers while maintaining their unique identities and fostering connections within the artistic community. Whether through workshops, personalized advice, or an extensive selection of materials, these stores contribute significantly to the development and expression of art in England.