A splash of colour has been added to the York high street- not to mention some Yorkshire-themed artwork.

And don’t be sheepish, you’d be barking mad not to call in and enjoy Lucy Pittaway’s creations.

The Richmond artist opened her first city centre gallery on Saturday at 21 Coppergate.

The premises previously contained womenswear retailer Oasis, which closed its doors in March 2020.

It will be Lucy’s sixth solo gallery, which follows on from others in Harrogate, Keswick, Brompton-on-Swale, Richmond and Yarm.

Five staff will be employed at the store, bringing her company's total number to over 50.

In her decade-long career, the mum became known for collectable original works of art, as well as striking Giclee prints, homeware and stationery.

Lucy told the Press that she has always loved York, especially for its art and culture.

“My art is Yorkshire based. We have been looking at York for a couple of years but there never seemed to be the right location available.”

“My art comes in various scales. It does better in places with high ceilings and plenty of room.

“A lot of quaint shops in the Shambles area wouldn’t have been the right environment to show the vast range that we have.

“Because we offer art and merchandise we need different spaces to show everything at its best.

“We like this location because of the windowspace. This shows the light and upstairs we have spaces to show the art.”

Lucy’s designs appeal to a varied age group, with her having a loyal and longstanding following, who enjoy her iconic sheep-themed works.

Some of Lucy’s art also features cycling and for three years, she was the official artist for the Tour De Yorkshire.

The popularity of her work has now made the 49-year-old a household name, whose art is shipped worldwide.

This Friday, following on from the new York gallery, Lucy’s business will take a new turn.

Already dogs have featured in a few art works, but there will be a new range featuring our four-legged friends.

“People are increasingly mad about their pets. I’m a dog person, I have a Jack Russell terrier. She comes to work with me, goes paddle boarding, it’s like having another child. She’s integral to our family.”

Lucy grew up in the North Yorkshire countryside in a small-holding with sheep and ponies.

And a love of the countryside shows through in her work.

Already, residents and visitors to York have taken to the new store.

A spokesman added yesterday (Mon): "Our opening weekend has been everything we imagined and the feedback from visitors has been really positive. It’s fantastic to be in such good company with other wonderful retailers in the city."

Last night (mon), Lucy hosted a reception at the venue as part of the store's opening.