18 pictures: Some of York’s best-loved businesses have been turned into these amazing artworks

Some of York’s iconic buildings have been captured in a new series of greetings cards by artist Ric Liptrot.

A graduate of the University of Central Lancashire, Ric crossed the Pennines from Preston to live in York in 2010. He has been painting York scenes ever since.

Full-size prints of those works have been available from Ric’s website for a while, but now those same images have finally been published in the form of greetings cards.

Ric told YorkMix: “I’ve always been interested in buildings and wanted to show places which the public may not have spotted on their day-to-day walks to and from work.

“When I came to York, it was the ideal place to develop my obsession with drawing buildings. York is perfect for me in terms of its historic buildings which are full of character. 

“I love to sketch out on the streets, taking in all of the aspects of a building or place. It helps to store the image I am drawing in my head when it comes to working on the actual artwork.

“My recent work is focused on illustrating the independent shops, pubs and cafes of York. As well as places which people here have a deep love for, for example Bootham Crescent which up until last year was home to York City Football Club.

“It was a life-long fan who asked me to draw the ground before the club left and the site was developed.

“Similarly I wanted to capture York Beer and Wine Shop which was in Sandringham Street, just round the corner from Fulford Framing, where I used to work. I also painted Ken Spelman Booksellers in Micklegate. The shop has sadly closed down but the business continues online.

“Through my illustrations I am able to preserve these important places which for a long time were a big part of people’s lives.

“The Crescent Community Venue is exactly that, a place which I think a lot of music lovers in York have a lot of love for. Now being one of the few remaining live event venues in York, its places like this I believe we need to protect and promote.

“During art events such as York Open Studios when I get chance to talk to the public, I hear people’s stories and memories of these businesses and I can see their love for them.

“I believe these independent businesses are vital for the local community and economy. It is through my illustrations I can celebrate them and put them in the public eye.”

Ric’s cards are sold exclusively at Fulford Framing in Fishergate.

And on Thursday this week (8 December), from 5 to 9pm, you can see Ric’s work and meet the artist himself at Bluebird Bakery, Acomb.

Ric says: “It’s a festive evening with live music from an orchestra, with carol singers… and mince pies and mulled wine too. I’ll be selling prints and these new cards of my work.”

Here’s a gallery of Ric’s amazing cards. And if you think there are other York buildings or locations worthy of Ric’s attention, you can contact him at [email protected]

Full size prints of his works are available via his website.