A County Durham business that has achieved global success is now preparing to celebrate its 25-year anniversary.
Alex Clark's Lime Tree Gallery, at 6 The Butts in Stanhope, first opened its doors to the public on October 25, 2000, selling homemade art made by Alex herself.
Alex Clark, from Ebchester, who specialises in painting wildlife watercolours, opened her first fine art gallery after painting professionally for four years while at college and university.
Alex first exhibited and sold her cards and other work at the Dale Art Gallery in the Dales Centre, in Stanhope, in the late 1990s. She continued to sell at craft fairs every weekend around the country.
She had previously worked in a small unit at the Dales Centre until the gallery came up for sale in May 2000.
With the help of her mother, Christine, and builder father Bill, and the money raised from her sales, the gallery was renovated and made fit for use.
“My parents have always supported me throughout,” said Alex.
“I chose Stanhope in the first place because I am a homebird, I don’t like being too far away from where I grew up in Ebchester.
"I knew that many people visit the town but also because the people of Stanhope and the wider Weardale had always been so incredibly supportive of me and my work.
“Whenever I’m in Stanhope, I always feel welcome and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
Alex's fame as an artist has gone global since the opening of her store 25 years ago. She is now known around the world for her paintings of animals, which have become instantly recognisable.
She said her inspiration comes from her upbringing in the countryside and she will always remember the happy memories she has of the people who supported her in the beginning.
Although known for her greetings cards and paintings, her work is now included on many more items including gift wrap, cushions, placemats, bookmarks, and a ceramic collection.
Alex said: "It’s so nice when people tell me where they have been in the world and where they have seen my artwork – Canada, Australia, New Zealand - they are very loyal and I really appreciate them very much.”
She now runs two established warehouses - one near Knitsley, which employs 15 people, and another in the Netherlands.
Due to the demands of her global business, she decided to rent out her gallery to another artist, Lisa McDonnell, in 2024.
"The gallery needed reinventing because I had neglected it, really." added Alex.
"Lisa has been in there for a year and she has done just that.
"It is fresh and new but still retains my original ideas and my work, as well as the work of other artists."
Recommended reading
- RNLI volunteer recognised for four decades of lifesaving work
- Darlington woman marks 40 years working at retirement village
- More than £77,000 raised for farmers and firefighters who tackled huge moorland blaze
Alex will be hosting a celebration, with everyone welcome, at the gallery on Saturday (October 25) for the anniversary, offering drinks and cake.
The Lime Tree Gallery is open weekly on Wednesdays - Sundays from 10am - 5pm.
Share