Magpie – Two for Joy

While exploring the independent shops of Skipton’s award winning highstreet there is one particular spot that anyone artistically inclined would be a fool to miss. Just opposite Skipton Town Hall you can find Magpie – Two for Joy. This cavern of curiosity, creativity and collaboration is simultaneously an art gallery, workshop space and collection of unique items to buy.

In the shops you can find luxurious Persian rugs draped beside one off pieces of vintage furniture and quirky objets d’art. It is an unconventional place to buy souvenirs but you’ll be sure to walk away with something much more special and personal. Not everything in their catalogue is as out there as the vintage collection. You can still buy more conventional gifts and cards including a wide selection of preserves, made by hand in the Lake District.

The shop is also Skipton’s only stockist of Annie Sloan Chalk Paints. These paints are unique as they can be used on any surface without preparation and create a range of finishes with ease.  Magpie makes use of these versatile paints in their furniture upcycling workshops. Breath new life into an old antique or fulfill your Kirsty Allsopp dreams of personalising your home in a sustainable way.

Alongside furniture making you can have a go at some more traditional artistic techniques with Magpie’s life drawing classes as well as taking advantage of the in-house printmaking studio with their printmaking workshops.

The gallery has a collection of local and regional pieces with a wide range of style, subject and media. Find dramatic abstract pieces as easily as something calming and ideal for a living room. As is indicated in the name Magpie is an unconventional collection of quirky yet beautiful things, and somewhere you’re sure to have an interesting time visiting even if you don’t make a purchase.