Claire Baxter Fine Art began in 2008 when I was struggling to secure a teaching post. I had just qualified as a secondary school art teacher but times were tough with the financial recession fully in its grip so I had to think outside of the box. I began painting for family and friends which soon led to me selling my work in the local park, Harrogate’s Valley Gardens, hanging my pieces off railings and on benches with The White Rose Artists. Not overly easy whist being pregnant at the same time. Over time, I managed to get a teaching position in a secondary school outside Castleford and I started to book some fairs such as The Harrogate Flower Show, Living North in York, The Great Yorkshire Show and joined organisations such as Made in Yorkshire and built up relationships with other Yorkshire Galleries and started to create a following and fan base.

In 2019 I opened my Gallery on the High Street in Pateley Bridge in the heart of Nidderdale. achieving huge success selling locally, nationally and overseas. We relocated to a stunning space in Ilkley which lends itself perfectly for a flagship Claire Baxter Gallery. The Gallery not only home to my work, but we also sell other fantastic work by Yorkshire artists including glass, ceramics, wood and felt.