Spotlight on Arteria

Arteria is an independent retailer of design-led gifts and contemporary arts, offering customers stylish and innovative products beautifully presented over two floors.

The handpicked collection features the ultimate in interior and lifestyle gifts from award-winning brands, the handmade collection showcases truly unique arts and crafts by local and national makers, whilst Gallery 23 hosts a changing exhibition programme exhibiting a diverse range of contemporary work by both established and upcoming artists.

We spoke with Managing Director Jane Richardson and here’s what she has to share.

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How would you describe Arteria in a line or two?
Arteria is a design-led gift shop and contemporary art gallery based in the heart of historic Lancaster, offering a curated selection of handpicked lifestyle products.

What was the inspiration behind starting Arteria?
With a background in fine art and an appreciation of good retailing, I wanted to bring to Lancaster a truly unique shopping experience offering a beautiful and stylish mix of well-designed products. The opportunity came about to develop the retail space in a restored 1800s building on Brock Street, which gave Arteria the distinctive concept of a ground floor shop and first-floor gallery.

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What was Arteria like in the early days?
It’s hard to think back 17 years……I would describe it as pared down and select, with a small team of staff. I remember every decision feeling like a big one!

How has Arteria evolved over the years?
With a commitment from the start to source products based on quality and design, we are proud to have developed good working relationships with both established and upcoming brands to bring our customers a constant source of inspiring and innovative products. There has been a greater focus in the last few years on finding sustainable and eco-friendly items, with customers considering the environmental impact of their spending habits.

The gallery started out initially with a small handful of artists showing their work and now the exhibition space has evolved into a visual feast showcasing over 40 local + national artists at any one time. Working closely and supporting local makers, coupled with the loyalty and friendship of our customers, Arteria has grown a sense of community within the City.

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