Online gallery moves from virtual into real space

As champions of Modern, Pop and Urban Art, the gallery has worked with established artists such as Sir Peter Blake, Dudley Edwards, Blek le Rat and Ezra, while in November last year it arranged the largest collection of prints by Banksy ever assembled in the north of England. Such has been their success that RedHouse is now opening its own gallery space in Harrogate and its first exhibition features some of the biggest names in modern British art.

Highlights include the first "Spot" print by Damien Hirst, new work from graffiti pioneer Goldie, an exclusive piece of rock n roll memorabilia from Sir Peter Blake, unseen photographs from the archives of the legendary Terry Cryer, as well as some classic pieces from Tracey Emin and Banksy.

For gallery director Richard McTague, the move marks a big step forward. "We've been operating online for the last three-and-half years during which time we've tried to keep doing exhibition work. We've been able to arrange these events, but there's no substitute for being able to meet people and for them to see the works hung on a wall." Richard co-founded RedHouse Originals in 2005 with Jon Kendall, who he met at art college and shared his passion for new and exciting art. The pair started out designing music tour posters for bands like The Super Furry Animals and The View before branching out into the world of art.

"We cover a range of work from the pop art of the 50s and 60s though to modern British artists like Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin, as well as urban stuff by people like Banksy, Blek Le Rat and Goldie," says Richard.

"There's a big demand for art like this. If you go to London, there's a gallery on every corner. But the further north you venture the more difficult it becomes to find galleries catering for this kind of work." Although he believes Harrogate bucks this trend. "The town has a great reputation and attracts thousands of tourists and there are some great galleries located here. We just feel that we can offer a bit of an alternative. We want to create an environment where people feel comfortable.

"We want to give a platform to new and exciting artists and champion these qualities and by having names that people have heard of, you encourage them in through the door. So, having works by Sir Peter Blake in the gallery brings in a certain crowd, but once they're here you can introduce them to other artists they may not have heard of," he says.

"We're finding more and more collectors who are now looking for the next exciting new artist to make a name for themselves – so watch this space."

The Pop, Modern and Urban movements exhibition at the RedHouse Originals Gallery, 15 Cheltenham Mount, Harrogate is open now.