Picture perfect prize

The award is in recognition of the gallery’s excellence at exhibiting the finest artwork, predominately by Yorkshire artists.

It is the highest award that a commercial gallery can achieve and competition from galleries across the country is always fierce.

It is only the second time that a gallery in the North of England has won it, and the first one in West Yorkshire.

Steven Lord said: “I am absolutely delighted to win this most prestigious award from the Fine Art Trade Guild.

“I knew that we had been shortlisted when I went down to the awards ceremony in London, but never expected to win it.”

“The Fine Art Trade Guild measured our customer service and art knowledge alongside the professionalism of our exhibitions.

“I would like to thank all our loyal customers and artists for their support over the years. Hopefully this will bring many more visitors to our lovely town of Brighouse and I look forward to meeting you in the gallery.”

The Fine Art Trade Guild, which is the trade association of the art and framing industry, was founded in 1910 and upholds the standards of art galleries and picture framers throughout the country.

Steven Lord had to answer a series of searching questions over two years and provide data on all aspects of the business including analysis of how its programme of exhibitions, promoted via its website and social media has driven art sales.

The Guild was particularly impressed by the quality of the exhibitions, which the gallery carefully curates around various themes, and how all art on show has to meet exacting standards of quality and presentation.