Features
Learn how-to make oil paint in #ShopShowcase with H.Blyth & Co. in Manchester, England.
How did you get started?
In 1889 Harry Blyth established H.Blyth & Co. to supply drawing materials to the rapidly growing businesses of Manchester. After passing through several generations and moving location, Blyths has grown to supply a multitude of art materials for amateur and professional creatives. We are now based over two floors in the Northern Quarter and have a great team of helpful employees who are all artists themselves.
Where are you located?
1 Stevenson Square, in the heart of Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter.
Which products do you specialise in?
Art materials! Here at Blyth’s we stock over 10,000 products for any artist/designer, whether you are a beginner, student or a professional. As well as stocking wide ranges of the usual paint, brushes and drawing materials, we take a lot of pride in stocking more than the everyday art materials, but also the specialist, the unique, and the interesting things that inspire creative people. Plus our team takes on board any requests from customers so our stock is constantly growing. We also offer services such as bespoke canvas stretching and picture framing.
Do you have a particular favorite product that you sell?
One of our favourite products in store is Fabriano’s classic journal. It’s a beautiful journal with pages alternating between two tones of cream that are ideal for ink, pencil, charcoal or pastel.
What's on the stereo?
We have a mix of music playing in the shop and it varies from old school soul, classic 80s and a smattering of Jazz.
Where else should we visit in your area?
The Manchester craft and design centre is our neighbour in the Northern quarter. It’s an amazing cavern of studios and shops full of creative people making tonnes of different things under one roof and has a lovely café on the ground floor. Also, Manchester Art Gallery regularly has on interesting and influential exhibitions, which is a guaranteed good day out.
Do you host any workshops, classes or special events?
Yes, we regularly host events involving a specialist artist giving a demonstration or workshop, and have refreshments with great promotional deals on the night. Recently we had the pleasure of having an event with Winsor & Newton and the renowned watercolour artist John Hassall, which was a real treat and great evening. We always have an event in the works so keep your eyes peeled to our social media for details!
Is there anything else you'd like us to know?
We have just launched a monthly subscription art box called ‘Art & Parcel’ that we are very excited about. Each monthly box is jam-packed with the latest and greatest art materials, all tried and approved by our team of artists at H.Blyth & Co. There are great savings on each Art & Parcel and it’s only £12.50 per month with free shipping to UK subscribers.
Do you have a favorite craft, art or supply shop in your town that we should feature? Send us a message!
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