West Art Supplies

This store is a hidden gem. It’s so well hidden, and so little publicised, that I don’t know how my husband found it! I think it relies on locals who’ve known about it for decades. Two men run it and they are both absolutely delightful and a font of information. The store itself is jam packed with art and craft products. From the front you would not believe how large it is or how much they have stashed in there.

They’ve said that if I ever - for example - want a certain copic refill, to phone them. If it’s in stock, they’ll put one aside for me. If it’s not in stock, they’ll get one in quite quickly.

On Saturday I went in (again!) and asked about paintbrushes. I suspect I’ve contaminated my favourite and I’ve been struggling with it. One of the guys talked to me knowledgeably about the different watercolour papers I have then we agreed the brush was probably contaminated by a particular product I have in my craft room. So I asked about a replacement. My most used brush is a number 8 round. He asked what kind I wanted as a replacement. I said something to the effect of “Not kolinsky sable” (because it’s SO EXCRUCIATINGLY EXPENSIVE), so he fetched four different synthetic brushes for me to choose from. He laid them out on the counter in order of price and talked about the benefits of each plus the price tag. There was NO pressure to pick any of them. I adore people who are so helpful and don’t do the hard sell. Hubby was there so he chose my new paintbrush to try: a Kolinsky synthetic brush that’s a small fraction of the price of their sable! Also the guy gave added information: a warning NOT to leave this brush where it can be contaminated and a warning that cats like to eat sable bristles. He didn’t know if it was the scent of the animal for real sable or if a cat might like to eat synthetic sable. Either way, after ruining at least one other brush, my watercolour brushes are now belong in a “cat proof” drawer in a room that has a childproof lock on the door handle to prevent my cats breaking and entering. (One of my cats opens lever handled doors, sometimes to get through the door and sometimes “just because I can”.)

I’ve been to this store several times in the past year. Sometimes they are busier than others but they are always professional and helpful. If it’s a super busy day you might need to wait in line though. That’s a small price to pay for excellent service in my opinion. Also, if they’re busy, take the time to wander around. There is SO MUCH to discover!