Overbury's Fine Art Supplies: Westbourne's Independent Art Shop for Creative Minds

Tucked away inside the charming Westbourne Arcade, Overbury's Fine Art Supplies is more than simply a place to buy paints and sketchbooks. It's an independent art store created by an artist, for artists, with a genuine passion for helping creativity thrive.

Whether you're an experienced professional, an art student or picking up a paintbrush for the very first time, the shop offers an inspiring environment filled with quality materials, expert advice and a welcoming community atmosphere.

Behind the counter is Richard Overbury, whose journey into running the business is just as inspiring as the artwork surrounding the shop.

After spending two decades working in hospitality management, Richard decided to pursue his lifelong ambition of opening a specialist art supply shop. Recognising there was a gap in the local market, he opened Overbury's in 2025 with one simple goal: to give local artists access to professional-quality materials alongside friendly, knowledgeable advice.

As a pencil artist specialising in highly detailed coloured portraits, Richard understands the importance of using the right materials. His personal experience means customers aren't simply buying products, they're benefiting from genuine advice from someone who uses them every day. 

Unlike larger chain retailers, Overbury's focuses on carefully selected products from trusted fine art brands.

The shelves are stocked with professional paints, brushes, canvases, specialist papers, sketchbooks and drawing materials, while Richard is always happy to source harder-to-find products and growth the store into a local hub for creatives.

Whether you're experimenting with watercolours, developing your oil painting techniques or simply replacing a favourite sketchbook, the shop has been designed to support artists at every stage of their creative journey.

One of the things that makes Overbury's stand out is its commitment to supporting local artists.

The shop regularly displays artwork created by members of the local creative community, giving artists an opportunity to exhibit their work in a welcoming public space. An in-store community board also promotes local art classes, workshops and creative events, helping connect artists across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

Students studying at local colleges and universities can also enjoy a 10% discount on all art supplies by presenting a valid student ID, making professional materials more accessible to the next generation of artists. 

Shopping at an independent business offers something online retailers simply can't replicate.

Instead of searching endless websites, visitors can browse products in person, ask questions, compare materials and receive personalised recommendations based on their own artistic style and experience.

Located within the historic Westbourne Arcade, Overbury's also makes the perfect addition to a day exploring one of Bournemouth's most characterful shopping destinations, surrounded by independent cafés, boutiques and galleries.

Whether you're beginning a new hobby, studying fine art or already have years of experience behind the easel, Overbury's Fine Art Supplies offers inspiration, expertise and a genuine passion for creativity.

For anyone looking to support a local independent business while discovering quality art materials, it's well worth a visit.

For more information about Overbury's Fine Art Supplies, click HERE

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