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'Staithes is the place to go, there is no-where like it on all the coast for painting' Thomas Barrett ARENSA, Staithes Group Artist 1848-1924

In the late 19th century, with the expansion of the Railways, Staithes became a magnet for a number of artists who became known as The Staithes Group.

Members of the Staithes Group were early Modern painters, producing work of high quality and some went on to become major British artists. Forty two artists in all are considered to be members or associates of the Staithes Group, among them were Dame Laura Knight, Rowland Hill, Frederick Jackson and Charles Mackie.

Dame Laura Knight said of Staithes 'There was no such village on all the English shores – a place and a people apart'. With her husband she set up studios in various cottages around the village.

Her work, together with the other group members, featured land and seascapes of North Yorkshire, but it is mostly famed for portraying the hard lives of the fisher folk living there. Many original paintings can still be found for sale up and down the coast.

The artists not only featured Staithes in their work, but painted scenes from villages in the whole area. Rowland Hill’s work included many paintings of the village of Ellerby and also Ugthorpe and Easington.

Others, including Dame Laura Knight, featured Runswick Bay in their work. The Artists not only painted the landscapes of these villages, but also the villagers in their homes. Their pictures are a true portrayal of the time and provide an insight into the lives of ordinary people.

To this day, these artists still inspire people to come to the village and paint its quaint cottages and rough seas. Visitors can still see artists at work, all trying to capture and recreate the beauty of the village.

For one and two day Digital Photography courses in Staithes, click here to visit www.staithes-photographic.co.uk

Today, there are many talented artists working in and around the village. Many of their paintings and photographs can be seen in the Staithes Gallery in the heart of the village.