Douglas Hill – Plein-Air Painter
Douglas recently came into the shop and invited me to the opening of his art exhibition. We had a lovely, unexpected conversation.
I hadn’t seen any of his work before, but recognised him, having seen him at work behind his easel in and around Whitby.
Douglas was born in West Yorkshire and is a self-taught artist working exclusively in oil paint. After more than 20 years living and working in St Ives, Cornwall, he is now based in Whitby, where he paints en plein air. Working outdoors, directly from the subject, he captures the feeling of a scene quickly — often in a single session.
You can see his work until Tuesday 5th May at St John the Evangelist — a beautiful church sitting at the foot of Brunswick Street, where it meets Baxtergate. The exhibition is softly lit, featuring a number of Whitby views, including one of Sandgate — home to our little shop.
A quiet celebration of Whitby, seen through a painter’s eye.
The Beach Huts
The start of May means beach hut season.
Carrying bags down to the beach and back up the zig-zag paths on the West Cliff was starting to feel like hard work. A few years ago, we were lucky enough to get a hut. Whether it’s a quiet visit or a big family gathering, wandering down to it brings a smile.
Walking along the sea wall, I often glance into the open huts, looking for ideas on how best to organise our own. It doesn’t take long to tell which belong to young families and which to more settled couples — the contents and their order give it away.
Open ours in mid-summer and you’ll likely find wetsuits hanging to dry, a few nearly dry towels, too many buckets and spades, and plenty of sand. Somewhere amongst it all, a picnic set — and perhaps a wine glass or two.
Year after year, the same faces return — mostly Whitby faces. In a town so shaped by visitors, this stretch of the sea wall feels quietly local. There’s always someone to stop and talk to, or to lend a hand if you’ve forgotten something. A walk to the end of the huts can easily take an afternoon.
Since getting the beach hut, there’s been more salt in our hair, more sand underfoot — and more reason to stay a little longer.
Franco’s Rum Baba
Having an Italian patisserie next door has its advantages.
Franco’s Rum Baba has built a bit of a reputation, and often sells out. It starts simply — a small, brioche-like cake, baked light and slightly dry. Only once it’s soaked in a syrup of rum and citrus does it become what it’s meant to be.
Filled with Chantilly cream and served with fresh strawberries, it’s soft, rich, and just the right side of indulgent.
Made by Franco, just next door, it’s best enjoyed slowly — with a coffee, or simply on its own. Either way, it’s even better with a good view.
From Our Shelves
Beautiful
New in – men’s jewellery, Leather wood and steel bracelets and a range of tungsten rings inlayed with natural materials.
Useful
A modern twist on the cuckoo clock. Not just a time piece but a clock with a little character.
Made Properly
First produced in 1933 the Feuerhand Baby Special 276 is a design classic. Largely unchanged for decades the biggest difference is the range of colours now available.
