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Claire Baxter Gallery announces closure in Ilkley

Friday, 6 March 2026 06:05

Claire Baxter was the official artist of Yorkshire Day 2025

Claire Baxter Gallery, with galleries in Ilkley and Knaresborough, has announced this week the closure of the Ilkley gallery due to the increased demand running two galleries, and Claire's wish to spend more time painting.

In a video post on the companies Facebook page, Claire shared the news giving an insights into where the Clare Baxter brand and galleries are going to go:

"I wanted to use this opportunity to bring some ideas that I've got moving forward into 2026.

"One question I get asked all the time is, when do you get the chance to paint, And I really, really struggle to answer because the reality is. I just don't have the time to paint."

Claire talks of plans to be more accessible online with a new website and be able to spend time painting:

"I want to get back to painting, I really, really desperately want to paint, and also to do more commissions for people and just to have more of a creative side to allow me to be back into the studio."

Claire goes on to say:

"A difficult decision, but the right decision to close the Ilkley Gallery. Because I feel as though we want to get out more on a widespread field rather than being in Ilkley and on the High Street. So Knaresborough will be staying open as always, but the Ilkley Gallery will be closing at the end of the month."

Charlotte, who currently manages the Ilkley gallery, is changing to be creative director and Amanda in Knaresborough will be the gallery director.

The closing date for the Ilkley gallery is 21st March.

Updates will be posted on the Claire Baxter Artist and Gallery social media.

Watch Claire's full video below.

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