A new independent is opening its doors for the first time today (Tuesday January 18).

Compleat Artist, the city's only independent art materials shop, is opening at 10am at 34 Winchester Street.

The shop takes over the premises that Noble Art Supplies occupied for five years until closing in November.

Pierre Barton-Pink is behind the new business, after studying fine art at the Sarum Studio, an art school in the Cathedral Close.

The 24 year old says he hopes the shop will become an "hub" for artists and art-lovers in the city, offering advice and demonstrations.

Read more: New shop Compleat Artist to open in Salisbury city centre

Born in Tokyo, Pierre grew up in Brockenhurst in the New Forest before moving to Salisbury.

Pierre practiced oil painting and the Sight-Size method under Nicholas Beer, who runs the studio.

He then started a decorating business, but when Noble Art Supplies announced their closure, he decided it was time to open a shop of his own.

The shop's name is a nod to the previous Compleat Artist shop in Crane Street, which closed in 2015 after more than 60 years of business.

Pierre, who is running the business on his own, hopes to recreate the atmosphere of the original Compleat Artist.

Read more: Specialist art shop in Salisbury to close down after 63 years of business

Pierre said: "Sharon Noble, who used to run Noble Art Supplies, and Nic Beer, the teacher who taught me to paint, both used to work at the old Compleat Artist on Crane Street.

"It was the shop to go to outside of London, and I want to recreate that. The guy who owned it used to be working on his own projects in the shop.

"I'm hoping to do some demonstrations for people who want to get into art and eventually get a print roller for people who do linoprints and etchings in the back room, so they can use that if they want to.

"I want to set it up as an art hub where people can come for advice and demos, to encourage more people to get into it and try new things with materials."

He added that Salisbury needs an art shop, as there are "many artists and artist groups, and there really is a scene".

"I also think that sales lost online should be converted back to the high street. It would really help the high street," he said.

There will be also be an opening celebration with Prosecco on Saturday evening (January 22), from 4pm to 6pm, open to the public.

Opening times for Compleat Artist are: 9am-5pm Monday, Friday and Saturday, and 10am-5pm on Tuesday and Thursday (closed on Wednesday and Sunday).

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