AWARD-WINNING North Yorkshire artist Lucy Pittaway is breathing new life into an abandoned high street store as she opens her fifth solo gallery.

The store at 21 Prospect Place, Harrogate, was once home to the menswear retailer Austin Reed, which closed its doors in 2016 leaving 2600sq ft of empty space.

Offering collectable original works of art as well as Giclee prints, homeware and stationery, the gallery will open next month.

“We evaluated the town as part of our growth plans a number of years ago and just had to wait for the right time,” Lucy said. “Harrogate is such a special place and somewhere I love to shop, it has a lot to offer and is appealing to a wide range of people as a destination.

"I’m confident that locals and visitors will enjoy seeing the bright and vibrant store front on the high street as it’s something quite unique and different from the existing offering in the town.”

Lucy Pittaway at work in the studio

Lucy Pittaway at work in the studio

Looking ahead at the impact of the new gallery, Helen Suckling from Destination Harrogate, added: “We’re absolutely delighted that Lucy has chosen Harrogate as the destination for her fifth solo gallery.

"The Harrogate district is a place to come to feel good, drawing in visitors for centuries through the heritage of the spa town and with its wealth of attractions, experiences, history, culture and complemented by a strong independent retail offer.

"In opening her new gallery in the heart of Harrogate, Lucy provides residents a new opportunity to love their local high street; enhances the beauty and variety of quality retail outlets in the town, which have significant appeal to visitors; and offers a further boost to our visitor economy.”

The store will welcome customers at its opening weekend on Saturday and Sunday, November 5 and 6. Lucy's other galleries are in Richmond, Brompton on Swale, Yarm and Keswick.