The leading independent art retailer continues to see business growth following a series of significant investments; and she shows no sign of slowing down. The artist continues investing in herself and her business, as well as taking steps to future-proof her business.

In Spring 2022, the business underwent a major project to expand its production, logistics and shipping capacity from its North Yorkshire head office. This project included building a 3,300 sq. ft dedicated warehouse facility, adding an extra 1000 sq. ft of production space and creating additional office space, photography suite and EV charging points. Accessing grant funding from the European Fund for Rural Development meant that 40% of part of this project was funded from sources outside of the business.

Further adding to the expansion of the physical footprint of the head office, production capacity was also increased with additional investment in new equipment allowing the business to bring the capturing process of original artwork in-house using High-Resolution Contact-Free Scanning via the WideTEK36 Art Fine Art Scanner. The business also secured a second printer enabling them to operate at double the printing capacity.

The recent acquisition of specialist equipment and stock plus six skilled staff from Wensleydale Galleries, is another valuable addition to the expanding in-house services and main core offer. Wensleydale Galleries bring with them decades of experience in framing, restoration, and conservation as they are absorbed into the Lucy Pittaway brand from March 2023. 

With the recent opening of the gallery in Harrogate in October 2022, another gallery opening in York in March 2023, plus more galleries planned over the next two years, the continued focus to bring art to the high-street comes with it its own financial investment before the doors event open however they also create 4-6 jobs with each gallery opened.

Increasing the number of physical stores operating under Lucy Pittaway has logistical implications with regular deliveries needed across a larger area of the country. The business invested in its first electric vehicle with the help of a partial government grant. The VW Buzz Cargo, bought from Lookers Teesside is now in use across the Northeast, Northwest and Yorkshire and is the first of its kind in the region.

Lucy Explains; “It was important that our carbon footprint be part of the consideration as we expanded, not an afterthought. We knew that more galleries would mean more transportation and acquiring an electric vehicle was always part of the plan.”

“Being able to expand the business is a privilege and although it’s not always been straight forward, we’re incredibly grateful to all contributing partners who have supported us with advice, guidance and funding. Diversifying our core offer and bringing services in-house is a way for us to futureproof the business and continue to make art accessible.”