A century of keeping it in the family! Tim Tennant from The Art Shops recently told us all about his brilliant family business history, and we just knew we had to share it with all of you. Read on to find out all about how The Art Shops became what it is today, and how successful the various art initiatives have been!
When it comes to the rich history of the business, Tim tells us: “Our business is 101 years old and was originally started by my grandfather, who then handed the business down to my father. Naturally, as I was looking for my first job as a teenager, I took up the opportunity to work for the family business alongside my father… and I’m still here forty years later! “My grandad was a local commercial artist who also specialised in picture framing. He was incredibly successful and at one point was even offered a job in London with a large advertising company. Despite this, he decided to stay local and keep the family business running, but sadly passed away whilst my father was at war.
“When my father returned from the war, he decided to continue his father’s legacy by taking on the family business solo, and even expanded in the late 60s when he started selling art materials. We have always offered picture framing as a service thanks to my grandfather’s skills, but the business really began to grow when I joined in the 80s. We now have a gallery alongside the picture framing and art supplies, and continue to do all framing on the premises at Ilkley. We also have another shop in Northallerton in North Yorkshire. They also offer a framing service with the work carried out at Ilkley.”
The business is now split into two parts and Tim has kept it in the family, now working alongside his wife and daughter. He tells us: “It’s a bit like the mafia really… once you’re in, you can’t get out!”
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