Teenage artist shows his entrepreneurial side by opening Alnwick shop

The teenager decided to leave Duchess’s Community High School last summer to pursue his dream of a career in art.

That became reality in December when he opened for business in a unit vacated by Hotspur 1364 in Narrowgate.

“It’s been really good so far,” said Matt. “It was really busy up until Christmas and that continued in January even though the town was a lot quieter.”

He admits a shop billboard highlighting the presence of a 16-year-old artist has helped to drum up business by drawing in curious passers-by.

“It’s definitely helped,” says Matt.

His passion for art emerged as a young boy, staging his first exhibition at Alnmouth Arts Festival when he was only 11.

“I did bits and pieces when I was little but must have been 10 when I first started really thinking about it,” said Matt. “Ever since then it’s all I’ve really wanted to do.

“I put quite a lot into it and just carried on.”

The majority of his pencil drawings are inspired by the rich variety of wildlife found in Northumberland, from pheasants and puffins to owls and otters.

“My wildlife prints have proved very popular, especially the ones with the fox and hounds,” he said.

There is also a selection of local landscape works which he hopes to expand when he gets time between serving customers.

“I’ve been selling my work for quite a while but it’s great to have a shop now,” he admits.

“I saved up what I could to buy all the equipment I needed and built up a collection of works to go on sale.

“I’ve got a workshop here too which I can use to produce new work.

“I’m enjoying it so far and now just want to carry on and see how it goes, hopefully getting a few of my pieces into bigger shops too.”

His range of merchandise has also expanded to include mugs and cushions.

For more information visit www.mattrobsonartwork.co.uk