about us

Art of England was launched in October 2003.

A series of timely events prompted its arrival. Art of England publisher Pam Bates was at that time a selling artist, watercolours mainly, who worked part-time for Stafford College (Adult Education), tutoring five watercolour classes. Her profile and paintings were featured in a county magazine, and shortly afterwards, was approached by them to edit the art pages for three of their Midlands magazines. Eight years later, with a Filofax bulging with artists' names and gallery addresses, all asking if she would promote them in the magazine, there seemed no option but to start an arts magazine to do the job properly.

Meanwhile, Pam's husband sold his dental practice to an Associate which provided capital to launch the business, just as Pam's son Paul was wondering if he had made the right career move studying Geology and Chemistry at Keele University. Agreeing to have a year out to work on Art of England proved the right move for him, with no looking back. As the magazine's profile increased, daughter Hayley joined the team. Younger brother David has just started his career with Art of England whilst studying Business at college.

Based in Staffordshire and covering only the Midlands, Art of England - a pun on 'The Heart of England' - was the obvious title for the magazine. Apologies go out to our colleagues in Wales, Scotland and Ireland - when accepted by WHSmith and our distribution company, it was on the understanding that the title would not be changed as the magazine was already established - although we did try, and argued the point repeatedly!

Within eighteen months of the magazines launch, Art of England was on sale throughout the UK in WHSmith, Borders, independent newsagents and worldwide. With all profits ploughed back into the free distribution of the magazine, we have now built a superb, quality readership via London and UK galleries, London door drops, the private waiting rooms of BUPA and Capio hospitals (including their cosmetic, implant and physiotherapy rooms), Harley Street clinics, plus the executive lounges of Heathrow, Stansted, Gatwick and Luton (including the Royal Lounge). We believe we provide advertisers with the best buying audience.

Providing an arts magazine to such a prestigious audience has ensured that high standards are maintained. To ensure that the magazine is produced exactly how we want, Paul designs and produces each monthly issue himself. Designed to be highly visible, readable and informative, Paul keeps the pages classically clean and lets the artwork speak for itself.

The great editorial diversity, articles of exceptional interest and quality written by curators, artists, gallery owners and experts in their field, has ensured Art of England's success. It is the fabulous work and dedication within that makes our magazine enjoyable. For this we thank all of those who have contributed.

Providing full editorial back-up for Pam, Editorial Assistant Pauline Mawman (previously Head of English at Stafford Grammar School) joined the team to put the magazine together, and Paul's wife Sarah Bates (ACIM), Assistant Editor finishes the magazine to print and adds her comments in the 'Editors Letter'.

Art of England is regarded as a prestigious and authoritative art magazine and is highly respected within the visual arts community.