A SHOP supplying artists’ materials is drawing the customers – under new ownership.

Calder Graphics has been part of the Huddersfield town centre scene since 1979, but hit hard times in recent years before closing down earlier this year.

Now Stuart Hoyle has acquired the business and has ambitious plans for the future.

Huddersfield-born Mr Hoyle takes on the business with 15 years experience in retailing, working in management roles for Tesco and Sainsbury’s and latterly operating an online business supplying artists’ equipment.

Mr Hoyle, who lives in Fixby and studied business management at Huddersfield University, said: “When I heard there was an opportunity to buy Calder Graphics, I decided to go for it.

“Coming from a retail background, my ambition has always been to move into my own retail outlet.”

He added: “There is tremendous demand from both professional and amateur artists as well as students.

“It is an opportunity to bring some of my existing stock into the shop and expand into other areas.”

Mr Hoyle said he was modernising the shop, which occupies a double unit at the Victorian Byram Arcade, and is using his experience in supermarket store layouts to make more space for customers as well as improving storage.

He is joined by employees Michelle Bomber and Nick Tomlinson.

Mr Hoyle said: “I am trying to cater for all generations with new products such as spray paints as well as traditional artists’ supplies such as acrylics.

“If there are products customers are seeking, I will be willing to bring them into the store.”

As part of promotional activity for the re-opened store, Leeds-based artist Les Childs was at the arcade at the weekend to give a demonstration of his artistic skills.

“Feedback from customers has been astonishing,” said Mr Hoyle.

“It is a very specialist market and Calder Graphics had built up a good name. We are getting customers from all over Yorkshire.”