About us
AC Gallery began life as an art shop in the 1950’s and is now in the 3rd generation of the same family. The business has evolved over the decades, from its early days as an arts and crafts supply shop, to the AC Gallery we have today selling framed prints and originals alongside our expert picture framing service.
Now with seven galleries across the north, it’s a long way from the art shop of the 1950’s but the core values have never changed. We are a family business where every customer and every job matters.
our history
George Fox Art Shop at No. 10 Byram Street
Having originally started life in 1950 as the “George Fox Art shop” at No. 10 Byram Street, AC Gallery is now in the third generation of the same family. It was Win Halstead who began it all, having managed the shop for George Fox. In the mid 1950's she bought the business, renamed it to 'Arts & Crafts' and ran it successfully until the mid 1960's when her daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Keith Baggs took over.
Advert from 1950’s
They expanded, opened a high-class interior & decor shop next door at No. 11, and Keith began offering a picture framing service, which originally operated from the cellar of the family home. With this service later booming, he took on a workshop, set up a new company supplying trade and retail alike, to become one of the most successful framing companies in the north of England.
‘Arts & Crafts’ and the interior decor show next door at No. 11
As fashions changed the arts and crafts industry declined and Number 10 was eventually closed in the early 1990's, leaving the gift shop. By now they were selling original art and framed prints and soon this was their focus, alongside the picture framing service. It was also the time that saw the company begin publishing their own exclusive artists.
The business is now run by Keith and Carol's son Mike, who can remember many a day spent helping in the art shop as a child.
In late 1999, Mike met up with local artist, and by then well known, Peter Brook. Peter had been a regular purchaser of art materials from Keith back in the day, and a relationship soon blossomed with Mike. It was a relationship that has had a huge impact on both his business, and Mike himself, to this very day.
Mike Baggs presenting Peter Brook with a specially commissioned pork pie at the opening of the annual exhibition in 2006. (The pork pie had become a bit of an 'in-joke' between Mike and Peter)
AC Gallery continued to go from strength to strength and became Peter Brook’s exclusive publishers and main agents. Such was the success of a small Peter Brook exhibition in 2004, that an annual show has been held ever since. Indeed, in 2011 a dedicated Peter Brook room was opened in our Huddersfield gallery. This houses a display of Peters paintings and prints, for customers to peruse all year round.
AC Gallery now has five other associate galleries from as far west as Kendal, north as Leyburn, and incorporating Skipton, Harrogate, and Knaresborough in between.
‘Old Mill, Huddersfield’ by Peter Brook (RBA)
The business may have come a long way from the humble beginnings of the original art shop in the 1950’s, however the core values are exactly the same. We remain a family business where every customer, and every job is equally important.
Great pride is taken in providing a service that is second to none, backed by vast experience (the majority of our framing team having been with us for over 30 years).
“Irrespective of whether you are a first time Customer, or one of our valued regulars, we will offer you a professional service, showcasing excellent value for money. You won’t be disappointed.”
