York illustrator Ric Liptrot with his hot-off-the-presses York Calendar for 2026
YORK illustrator Ric Liptrot has produced his third calendar, depicting the city’s independent scene.
The 2026 calendar features new illustrations of Heima, in Gillygate, for January; Haxby Bakehouse, February; York, Home of Independents poster, March; Bettys’ Easter window, in St Helen’s Square, April; Watkinsons Shoes, in Goodramgate, May, and Janette Ray Booksellers, in Bootham, June.
Turn over to July to reveal Heppni Bakery, in Swinegate; August, Two Hoots ice cream boat, by Dame Judi Dench Walk; September, Sir Thomas Herbert’s House/York Gin, in Pavement; October, Forty Five Vinyl Cafe, in Micklegate; November, Rustique, in Castlegate, and December, Silvarious, in Low Petergate.
“We’re so lucky to have so many great independent businesses in York,” says Ric, whose parents owned a newsagent shop in his hometown of Runcorn. “Perhaps it’s this upbringing that has impacted on my beliefs to stand up for the small shops, cafes and pubs of the local community.”
Explaining how he selected his chosen 12 for 2026, Ric says: “I have a list of shops, pubs and cafes that I would love to draw. They usually have colours or shapes that grab my attention.
“For example, Heima, on Gillygate, I love the shop-front with its beautiful household objects; they’re interesting shapes to draw.
“Some months, such as December, were easy to choose as I was commissioned last year by Silvarious Jewellery to create an illustration. At the time I drew it, they had their festive window display, so I knew this would make a great December image.”
How do Ric assess the present welfare of independent businesses in York, when more and more look to be opening, but mainly yet more cafes! “You’re right that there’s more and more cafes and bars opening, which is why I feel quite strongly about celebrating the small shops,” he says.
The cover to Ric Liptrot’s York Calendar for 2026
“I’ve only lived in York for 15 years but I’ve heard of some lovely shops that have sadly closed; people still have fond memories of them. The saying ‘Use it or lose it’ comes to mind. I try to avoid using Amazon to shop. I get a buzz from buying locally; you feel like you’re making a positive purchase.”
Ric works out of a studio in the artist-led community at PICA Studios in Grape Lane. “I begin each artwork with a sketch taken directly in front of the subject. It’s here that I can take time to capture the detail and take note of shapes and colour,” he says.
“When I’m out sketching on the street, there’ll usually be one or two people who stop to have a nosey or ask what I’m drawing. I’m always happy to stop and chat. I think it’s nice that people take an interest and sometimes they’ll give me a story or fact about the subject I’m drawing.
“Then, using acrylic paint, collage and dip pen, I’ll transform the sketch into a full-colour illustration.”
Some shops featured in the 2026 calendar commissioned Liptrot Illustration’s services, among them Watkinsons Shoes in celebration of their 120th anniversary.
“It hangs pride of place in our store and is absolutely stunning,” says manager Alice Preece “Ric’s art and interpretation of the shop has captured the spirit of Watkinsons and what makes us unique. Thank you, Ric for an amazing experience from start to finish throughout the commission.”
Ric was delighted to receive this commission from one of his favourite shops. “Watkinsons is a great example of a successful independent shop in York,” he says. “I have people telling me they went there to get their first pair of shoes and now take their children. I love to draw places that people have a connection with.”
Picking highlights of his 2025 diary, Ric says: “There have been fantastic commissions, not only from Watkinsons Shoes, but Heppni Bakeri and Rustique too,” he says. “I was asked by York Independent to produce a cover for the free small newspaper they produce. That was fun, using York’s archways and bridges to frame elements of the independent businesses. The artwork for this is on my March page.
The 12 illustrations for Ric Liptrot’s 2026 calendar celebrating York’s independent shops and businesses
“I was asked to create an illustration of York to wrap around a candle holder for the lovely Born Of Botanics shop on Stonegate. It was my first bit of package design that I’d made.”
Looking ahead, how will Ric be filling his 2026 calendar? “I’m in the middle of working on some designs for the York Cocoa Works on Castlegate. I’ve had some good conversations with Sophie Jewett, the owner, and we’re hoping to produce a map and possibly some chocolate bar packaging,” he says.
“I’m also working on an illustration for a grand hotel just outside of York, Aldwark Manor. The original artwork will hang in the hotel and it will feature on their promotional material.
“I visited the estate recently to make some sketches and was blown away. It’s a stunning building and I can’t wait to start working on the illustration.”
Should you be wondering if Ric will just stick to putting up one of his own calendars in the Liptrot home, he says: “There are some great York calendars around and I usually do a swap with artist friend Elliot Harrison, known as York 360, who makes a nice calendar.”
Ric will launch the 2026 calendar at the PICA Studios Winter Sale on November 29 and 30, when fellow PICA Studios artists will be selling work jewellery, ceramics, textiles, prints and paintings from 10am to 5pm each day.
Priced at £15.99, the calendar also will be on sale at the pop-up artists’ shop, at 22 High Petergate, York, or you can order via www.ricliptrot.bigcartel.com.
Festive final question for Ric
Do you have a Christmas tradition that no Christmas would be complete without?
“IN recent years we’ve headed to York Minster to hear the Choral Matins; it’s a lovely way to start the day. I find it a real, hairs-on-the-back-of-your-neck- pricking- up moment.
“We’ve also been enjoying a pint at the local pub on Christmas Day. The last couple of years we’ve popped into the Volunteer Arms [in Watson Street, Holgate] and the atmosphere has been brilliant, full of folk in a festive mood.”
