IT’S almost five years since Yorkshire artists Liz and Dave Marsh moved to Topcliffe to live and set up a new gallery.

Their first gallery was at Addingham Moorside, near the edge of Ilkley Moor, a stunning but rather remote location with walkers and sheep for passing trade and extremes of weather that could be challenging.

In 2015, bought The Old Post House in Topcliffe, a Grade II listed building, which hadhad been the village post office and general store many years earlier. Planning permission was obtained to change the use of offices to retail and open a gallery.

The Elm Gallery sells Liz and Dave’s original paintings, prints and cards. Subjects include landscapes, animals, birds, flowers, foliage and mystical themes. They have different styles, with Dave painting in a more traditional way using mainly watercolour and Liz being a more contemporary artist using brighter colours and a variety of media.

Dave is also a pen and ink artist and, in the past, many of his drawings were published in The Dalesman and Cumbrian magazines.

In addition, the gallery sells a range of beautiful handmade ceramics, jewellery, glass, wood, sculptures, basket ware, scarves and hand-painted bird and animal stones. As well as painting, Liz designs and makes bags with each one being unique. Many of the things in the gallery are made in Yorkshire, but some are made further afield and have been discovered by Liz and Dave at the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate, though even that was an online event this year.

As with many small businesses, the lockdown has been quite a challenge for the gallery. However, Liz and Dave kept very busy while the gallery was closed. Liz and some of the neighbours make scrubs for the NHS, mainly for the Friarage Hospital, and Dave worked on outdoor projects, making the most of his free time.

The gallery has just reopened following a few changes to make it safe for customers to visit again. Only one person or household is allowed in the gallery at any one time, meaning visitors enjoy a private viewing whenever they go. Hand sanitiser is available at the entrance and there are protective screens around the counter.

Details about The Elm Gallery can be found on their website at www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TheElmGallery, which is regularly updated with news about new exhibits in the gallery.