Meet The Member - Artscape, Harpenden
artscape
We caught up with our members at Artscape in Harpenden to hear the story behind their creative legacy and what makes them a true community hub.
We are delighted to have you as a member of We Are Harpenden. We are sure our readers would love to hear about how Artscape came to be. Could you tell us a bit about its origin?
Thank you for having us! In 1985, the Suharan family took ownership of Studio 35 on Harpenden High Street, previously run by Geoff and Muriel Sanderson for 17 years. When Studio 35 had to leave the High Street in June 2000, Artscape was born. After a few moves around Harpenden, the shop finally settled into its current (and largest) home at 32 Coldharbour Lane. Despite weathering location changes, the 2008 credit crunch, and Covid lockdowns, Artscape continues to thrive — offering an "Aladdin’s Cave" of art and craft supplies, a bespoke framing service, and small to large-scale printing for the community.
What range of products and services do you provide?
We stock a huge selection of art and craft supplies — from pens, pencils, paints, brushes, and canvases to paper, pads, kits, and art books — catering to both enthusiastic beginners and serious artists.
Our framing department offers a wide selection of ready-made frames as well as a renowned bespoke framing service, with over 2,000 frame samples, 700 mount board options, and 7 types of specialist art glass. With an in-house workshop, we can handle even the most complex framing projects and have framed many valuable artworks over the years.
We also offer a printing service, capable of printing from small sizes up to A0, and work closely with several local businesses who rely on us daily. Plus, we stock a selection of stationery essentials, including printer ink.
What would you say is the most important thing for your customers to feel from your products?
Reliability and quality. Many of our customers have been coming to us for years, trusting us to stock the materials they need. We work hard to keep up with the latest ranges and innovations across our many suppliers to ensure they find exactly what they’re looking for.
For someone who is getting into painting for the first time, what is your top tip?
Start with the right materials! We stock oil, acrylic, and watercolour paints across a range of brands, including student-level paints ideal for beginners at accessible price points. We also offer professional artist-grade paints for those looking to take their work further. For paper, we recommend our beginner pads, perfect for experimenting and discovering your own painting style.
What is your favourite thing about running a business in Harpenden?
Artscape has always been a community hub. We’ve previously run art classes and continue to support local art clubs and artists. As a generational business, it's heart-warming to see the grandchildren of customers who shopped with us 25 years ago now walking through our doors. We love being part of people's creative journeys, especially when we see artworks come back to us for a framing refresh as tastes and home décor styles evolve.
Can you share with us some of Artscape’s company values? What is most important to you in running this business?
At Artscape, we believe in creativity, community, and quality. We are committed to offering expert advice, excellent products, and a personal service that makes everyone — from beginners to professional artists — feel welcome and supported. Running a business for us isn’t just about sales — it’s about being a trusted place people know they can turn to for inspiration, help, and encouragement. Supporting the creative spirit of Harpenden is at the heart of everything we do.
What would people be surprised to know about the tricks of the trade?
Many people are surprised by how much precision and problem-solving goes into framing. It’s not just about putting a picture into a frame — it’s about protecting it properly, choosing the right materials to preserve it for years, and finding a style that enhances the artwork without overpowering it. Also, in the world of art supplies, knowing which paper, brush, or canvas to use can make all the difference to how a piece turns out — a little insider advice can really elevate your art!
Are there any aspects of your business that people are surprised to hear about?
Yes! Even after all this time, we still meet people who didn’t realise we were here, or didn’t know we’d moved from Southdown (despite having been at Coldharbour Lane for over six years now!). Some even thought we’d closed — but we’re very much still open and thriving!
Looking forward, is there anything you are particularly excited about? Are there any plans you can share with us?
We’re thrilled to announce that from this summer, we’ll be sponsoring Art on the Common, a major event in the Harpenden arts calendar. It takes place during the Carnival weekend, on the 8th and 9th of June, and we can’t wait to be part of it!
Where in Harpenden is your favourite spot to go in your spare time?
There are so many lovely spots in Harpenden! We love taking a walk through Rothamsted Park or visiting one of the town’s fantastic coffee shops.
Lastly, we’d love to hear a fun fact
We have a deep love for classical Indian music — in fact, we even have our own music studio tucked away upstairs, something most visitors don’t know about!