About South West Arts
Run by artists… for artists.
The South West Art Story
The Beginning
In 2005, Lynsey and Graham moved to Sidmouth with one goal: to build a life centred around creativity and time together. They took on a small art and craft shop and lived in the flat above; a humble space filled with potential. What started as a quiet seaside shop quickly sparked something larger. With their shared passion for art materials, knowledge and craftsmanship, they began transforming the business. Within five years, they had doubled turnover, expanded into fully bespoke picture framing and repositioned the shop as a specialist destination for artists who cared about the quality of their materials.
Growing Into a Specialist Store
As artists themselves, Lynsey and Graham recognised the value of proper guidance, honest recommendations and materials that genuinely performed. The team grew, each member a practising artist with their own skills and creative background.
Their approach was simple but powerful:
only stock what they would use themselves.
This created trust, not just locally, but across the South West.
Piece by piece, South West Art evolved into a store known for expertise, carefully sourced materials and a warm, welcoming approach to every kind of artist.
Adapting Through Change
When lockdown arrived in 2020, the familiar rhythm of the shop came to a halt. But with challenge came opportunity. With the doors closed, the team dedicated their days to building a comprehensive online shop, photographing and uploading thousands of products.
Even during isolation, the community stayed connected.
Daily phone calls.
Local deliveries to help people stay creative.
Support for beginners who picked up art for the first time.
What began as a necessary shift became a permanent part of the business — and opened South West Art to artists across the UK.
Building A Creative Community
During this period, one thing became clear: artists needed connection. To bring people back together, the Summer School was launched – a month-long programme of workshops, classes and shared making.
The response was immediate. The Summer School became a yearly celebration of creativity, learning and community, drawing in artists from all backgrounds and experience levels. It grew into a cornerstone of what South West Art represents today.
The Rise Of Printmaking
As the community grew, so did the popularity of printmaking. Yet accessible, fully equipped printmaking spaces were rare in the UK.
This planted the seed for the next chapter of the business.
Lynsey and Graham envisioned a studio where printmakers could work freely, learn new techniques and be supported by experienced tutors – not just a store, but a creative space designed with intention.
The Next Chapter: South West Art Space
Opening early 2026, South West Art Space is the realisation of that vision.
A dedicated, fully-equipped printmaking studio, minutes from the main shop, providing:
- Studio hire for individuals or small groups
- Workshops, classes & one-to-one tuition
- Future residencies and printmaking holiday packages
It’s a space shaped by the same values that built the store: quality, guidance, community and a deep respect for the creative process.
Creative Home For All Artists
From a small seaside shop to a respected specialist community hub visited by locals, travellers and artists across the UK, South West Art has grown – but its purpose hasn’t changed.
They remain committed to:
- Honest, experience-led advice
- Specialist materials chosen with care
- Craftsmanship in every frame
- Welcoming beginners with warmth
- Supporting artists at every stage
- Creating space for connection
South West Art is, and always will be, a place where creativity is encouraged, supported and celebrated in all its forms.
The Beginning
In 2005, Lynsey and Graham moved to Sidmouth with one goal: to build a life centred around creativity and time together. They took on a small art and craft shop and lived in the flat above; a humble space filled with potential. What started as a quiet seaside shop quickly sparked something larger. With their shared passion for art materials, knowledge and craftsmanship, they began transforming the business. Within five years, they had doubled turnover, expanded into fully bespoke picture framing and repositioned the shop as a specialist destination for artists who cared about the quality of their materials.
Growing Into a Specialist Store
As artists themselves, Lynsey and Graham recognised the value of proper guidance, honest recommendations and materials that genuinely performed. The team grew, each member a practising artist with their own skills and creative background.
Their approach was simple but powerful:
only stock what they would use themselves.
This created trust, not just locally, but across the South West.
Piece by piece, South West Art evolved into a store known for expertise, carefully sourced materials and a warm, welcoming approach to every kind of artist.
Adapting Through Change
When lockdown arrived in 2020, the familiar rhythm of the shop came to a halt. But with challenge came opportunity. With the doors closed, the team dedicated their days to building a comprehensive online shop, photographing and uploading thousands of products.
Even during isolation, the community stayed connected.
Daily phone calls.
Local deliveries to help people stay creative.
Support for beginners who picked up art for the first time.
What began as a necessary shift became a permanent part of the business — and opened South West Art to artists across the UK.
Building A Creative Community
During this period, one thing became clear: artists needed connection. To bring people back together, the Summer School was launched – a month-long programme of workshops, classes and shared making.
The response was immediate. The Summer School became a yearly celebration of creativity, learning and community, drawing in artists from all backgrounds and experience levels. It grew into a cornerstone of what South West Art represents today.
Rise Of Printmaking
As the community grew, so did the popularity of printmaking. Yet accessible, fully equipped printmaking spaces were rare in the UK.
This planted the seed for the next chapter of the business.
Lynsey and Graham envisioned a studio where printmakers could work freely, learn new techniques and be supported by experienced tutors – not just a store, but a creative space designed with intention.
The Next Chapter: South West Art Space
Opening early 2026, South West Art Space is the realisation of that vision.
A dedicated, fully-equipped printmaking studio, minutes from the main shop, providing:
- Studio hire for individuals or small groups
- Workshops, classes & one-to-one tuition
- Future residencies and printmaking holiday packages
It’s a space shaped by the same values that built the store: quality, guidance, community and a deep respect for the creative process.
Creative Home For All Artists
From a small seaside shop to a respected specialist community hub visited by locals, travellers and artists across the UK, South West Art has grown – but its purpose hasn’t changed.
They remain committed to:
- Honest, experience-led advice
- Specialist materials chosen with care
- Craftsmanship in every frame
- Welcoming beginners with warmth
- Supporting artists at every stage
- Creating space for connection
South West Art is, and always will be, a place where creativity is encouraged, supported and celebrated in all its forms.
Why Artists Choose Us
Knowledge You Can Trust
Every team member is a practising artist. We only stock materials we’ve used and believe in, so you always get honest, experience-led guidance.
Quality Over Quantity
We source specialist materials from around the world, focusing on performance, durability and integrity – not what’s trending or cheapest.
A Creative Community, 20 Years Strong
From beginners to professionals, we’ve built a welcoming community where artists connect, grow and feel understood.
Passion in Everything We Do
Our framing, workshops and studio spaces are designed with care, precision and respect for the creative process.
Explore Our Studio
See what’s possible inside South West Art Space.
Our Creative Community
South West Art has always been more than a shop, it’s a place where artists connect, learn and feel understood. Over the last 20 years, a real creative family has formed around us: beginners taking their first steps, professionals refining their craft and makers who simply love the process.
Workshops, Summer School, and now our fully equipped printmaking studio have helped turn that community into something special. People travel from across the South West and further because they know they’ll find honest advice, quality materials and people who genuinely care about their creative journey.
Here, you’re never creating alone.
You’re part of something bigger.
Explore Our Studio
See what’s possible inside South West Art Space.
Meet The Team
South West Art is built by artists – each with their own skills, stories and creative backgrounds. Together, we bring real experience, genuine enthusiasm and trusted guidance to help support artists at every stage of their journey.
Lynsey
Artist & Printmaker — Co-Founder
Lynsey co-founded South West Art in 2005 with a deep passion for creativity and community. As an artist and printmaker herself, she brings hands-on experience to everything we do — from specialist materials to the design of the new South West Art Space. Her vision for connection and accessible creativity has shaped the Summer School, workshops and the heart of the business.
Graham
Picture Framer — Co-Founder
Graham leads our in-house framing studio with decades of craftsmanship and precision. Known for his conservation-grade techniques and calm attention to detail, he treats every artwork with the respect it deserves. His expertise has been central to developing South West Art’s reputation for quality, reliability and exceptional framing.
Dan
Artist
Graduated with a Fine Art Degree from Nottingham University and quickly gained traction with exhibitions in many galleries around the country. Based in Bristol for a while, art has always been foremost in his life, and he returned to his roots in East Devon where he now paints from a studio in Exmouth. He is a highly valuable member of the SWA Team – what Dan doesn’t know about pigments & painting mediums isn’t worth knowing!
Caroline
Artist
A graduate of the Glasgow School of Art, Caroline has spent her life immersed in creativity. Her first love is drawing in which she is also a skilled tutor, but her growing enthusiasm for colour is growing constantly. Her enthusiasm for art and understanding of how daunting it can all be makes her a firm favourite
with many customers. She’s passionate about helping artists find the right tools for their ideas.
Maria
Artist & Printmaker
Maria is highly experienced oil painter and printmaker, her technical printmaking knowledge combined with her understanding, calm, manner brings reassuring support. Working in the shop as well as tutoring at the SWA Space, Maria is loving helping both beginners and seasoned artists discover techniques and materials that elevate their work.