THE Art Shop Ilkley is celebrating 100 years of business.

In 1919 local artist Herbert Tennant started a business as a commercial artist in the Arcade in Ilkley. A year later he moved to premises in Hawksworth Street. From there he produced artwork for local businesses and painted in watercolour for pleasure.

He was also a member of Ilkley Art Club and exhibited in the annual exhibition. At one time his artwork and design was sought after by a London company who offered him a job designing. Herbert declined the offer instead choosing to remain in Yorkshire.

Returning from active service in 1945 his son Stanley continued the family business as a poster and signwriter. He also made picture frames, all from a small workshop with a small stove for heating at the back of the shop, which attracted a steady stream of visitors who came to keep warm during the winter months.

In the early 1960s household paint and decorating materials were taken into stock but this proved to be short term as in 1967 the shop was completely refurbished and a first floor added and a full range of art materials from Winsor & Newton, Rowney, Reeves and The Daler Board Co was taken into stock. Stanley and his wife Ella built up the art materials business and on leaving school son Tim joined in 1977.

The shop was again refurbished in 1987 with the retail area expanded and a separate framing workshop established. The business grew quickly in the late 1980s and early 90s. A period of expansion followed with shops opening in Skipton, Northallerton and Preston. In 1999 The first Art Show was held in Ilkley in a church hall, this soon expanded to The Winter Gardens and Kings Hall.

In 2009 the Skipton and Preston shops were sold and in 2012 Ilkley was expanded into the premises next door enabling a greater range of art materials to be offered. The picture framing workshop was also consolidated within the Ilkley store.

Tim Tennant said: “The Art Shop continues to thrive providing advice and personal service on wide range of art materials from all the leading brands for the professional and leisure artist both online and in store. The Gallery at The Art Shop next door provides a comprehensive picture framing service and a means for local artists to show and sell their work.

To celebrate our centenary a series of events are being held in June along with a painting competition titled ‘Time’. As the world of retail has changed over the last 20 years we are changing with it and look forward to the challenge of the next 100 years!”

To help celebrate a number of events will be held at The Art Shop during June with free art demonstrations on Thursday, June 13 June from 6.30pm with Tracey Krupianka, Saturday, June 15 from midday with Jeremy Taylor, Saturday, June 22 with Brian Hindmarch from 11am. On Friday June14 and 21 June Richard Gawthorpe will be demonstrating from 11am.

All four artists will be showing their work in The Gallery during June. For further information call The Art Shop on 01943 609031 or visit www.theartshops.co.uk.