Cass Art opens in Scotland

Cass Art, the UK’s leading independent art supplies retailer, has opened its first store in Scotland following BGF’s £3.2m investment to support its nationwide growth. The store is located in the heart of Glasgow, which is internationally recognised as a creative city that has produced many world-acclaimed artists.

Founded in 1984 by CEO Mark Cass, an avid art promoter and entrepreneur, Cass Art strives to encourage as many people as possible to create art, believing that art is a fundamental human need and that art over the centuries has profoundly changed the way we view the world.

Mark Cass is a trustee of the Cass Sculpture Foundation, a British charity devoted to the promotion of 21^st British sculpture through public commissions and exhibitions. His family have been involved in art over many generations – his great uncle, Paul Cassirer, was an important art dealer in the 1920s, and was a promoter of the Impressionist movement in Europe.

The new site on Queen Street boasts more than 6,000 square feet, and includes the Art Space that will endeavour to support and celebrate the local artist community through workshops and exhibitions. In preparation for its launch, Cass Art was proud to sponsor this year’s Graduate Degree Show at the Glasgow School of Art – one of Europe’s leading university-level institutions for the visual creative disciplines.

CEO and Founder Mark Cass opened his first shop next to the National Gallery, and Cass Art currently has five shops in London and one in Kingston. Cass Art offers the world’s best art materials at the UK’s best prices. All Cass Art shop staff are artists, giving expert insight and advice on all of its customers’ creative endeavours.

Mark Cass, CEO and Founder of Cass Art, said: “We are thrilled to be opening in Glasgow. It is a city with a long cultural history, and a thriving art community. We look forward to supporting artists of all ages in Glasgow, whether they are beginners, students, tutors or professionals – to fulfil our mission, ‘Let’s Fill This Nation With Artists’. It is our first step in opening affordable art shops across the country.”

BGF backed the Cass Art team to roll out new stores in major cities across the UK over the next five years and to develop its e-commerce platform (www.cassart.co.uk), which presents a significant opportunity to grow on a national scale.

As well as BGF Investment Director Rory Pope sitting on the board, BGF appointed Stuart Rose, the former Chairman of toy group Hamleys, ex-Managing Director and deputy Chairman of The Body Shop and former Chairman of Agent Provocateur as Non-Executive Chairman through its Talent Network.

Rory Pope, Investment Director for BGF commented: “Mark Cass and his team have created a truly inspiring business based on an ‘art for all’ passion and they remain committed to encouraging everyone to realise their creative talents. By extending Cass Art’s regional footprint and continuing to offer the world’s leading material at the best prices, they are set to achieve their ambition and BGF is proud to be part of that mission.”