Lucy Pittaway, hailed as the UK’s most successful commercial artist, has confirmed her galleries in Bowness-on-Windermere and in Harrogate, North Yorkshire will be closing in the near future.
Sharing the news on Facebook, Ms Pittaway said: “It’s with a heavy heart that I share some difficult news from our Lucy Pittaway family. Shortly, we will be closing two galleries, Bowness-on-Windermere and Harrogate.
“This has been an incredibly tough decision, influenced by the rising operational costs facing so many UK businesses, including a significant rent increase at our Harrogate location.”
The artist said the main focus is now on staff affected by the closures.
The post added: “Our priority right now is supporting the wonderful colleagues affected as we work through the consultation process.
“I am so grateful for their hard work and dedication, and for the support our customers have shown these galleries over the years. It truly means the world.”
Despite the two galleries closing, customers have been reassured that the rest of the business will continue to operate as normal.
Ms Pittaway said: “Please rest assured, our galleries in Richmond, Yarm, York, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Keswick, as well as our Brompton-on-Swale Outlet, remain open as usual, and our website continues to trade normally.
“In the coming weeks, both closing galleries will hold closing down sales, with 30% off all stock.
“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your continued support.”
Born and raised in the North-East, Ms Pittaway began her art career more than 13 years ago after her twins started school. She started out by painting in a small metal shed at home and producing one-off commissions and prints for exhibitions.
Her growing popularity led to the opening of her first gallery, and the business has since expanded across North Yorkshire, the North East, and the Lake District.
Throughout her career, Ms Pittaway has received numerous accolades, including being named the UK’s Most Popular Commercial Artist three times and serving as the official artist for the Tour De Yorkshire.
Most recently, she gained international attention for her painting of the felled Sycamore Gap tree and produced a commemorative piece of Locomotion No1 for the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.