Josie Beszant is the owner and founder of Masham Gallery which has been a key of destination for Masham visitors for over thirty years.
The Gallery showcases and sells the work of over 120 carefully selected artists & makers. Creative independent people is what Masham and the Masham Gallery is all about! Josie is interested in unique, ethical, sustainable and beautiful work, and Masham Gallery’s location, right in the heart of this creative community in Masham’s Georgian Market Place, is the perfect place find it.
Masham’s Creative Legends self-guided Walking Tour celebrating our creative, and sometimes quirky, heritage was conceived by Josie, don’t miss your chance to enjoy it.
Meantime, below you’ll find some Peculierly Interesting inside info on Masham from Josie…
Peculier Masham Creative Legends
Peculierly Interesting
…inside info from Josie…
How did you come to run this business:
It all started in 1994. I found some derelict premises and did them up in exchange for a year of reduced rent. Back then, galleries were few and far between, and I saw an opportunity to do something different —something more welcoming and less intimidating. So, I gave it a go.
Top sellers:
Ian Scott Massie’s cards and prints of Masham and the Dales.
What makes your business special?
You won’t find another gallery or shop quite like this. Everything here is made in the UK by individual makers — each piece tells its own story, created especially for this space. But don’t expect a stark, white-walled gallery. Our rooms are part of our home – warm, welcoming, and full of character — just like the work we show.
What is you most Peculier Product?
Many of our pieces are true one-offs — carefully made by hand, often impossible to replicate. One of our current favourites (and perhaps the most peculier!) is a delicate, teardrop-shaped porcelain bottle, beautifully decorated with a magpie and its nest. It’s the kind of piece you won’t find anywhere else —and that’s exactly the point.
Famous customers:
Apparently I’m not very good at spotting them! We’ve had a few over the years. Richard Whitely and Rosemary Schrager have both been regulars, but I’m more impressed by amazing artists who other people may not recognise.
Favourite place:
There are many, depends on the day, the mood and the season…in Masham. At this time of year I love sitting by the river after work with my back against the wishing tree watching the sand martins dart about and the fish rising.
What makes Masham special?
Take it slow, drink it in. Chat to people, Masham reveals itself in layers. There are surprises around every corner.
More Peculierly Masham NewsPeculierly Masham Shop Local
Did you know that every £10 spent in a local independent business is worth £25 to the local economy in terms of jobs supported and money paid to local suppliers, but it’s worth just £14 when spent in national supermarkets?
Support local businesses in Masham and you’ll meet some great people, find interesting souvenirs, and discover so much more about our area. You’ll also be supporting and maintinaing the local economy, independent shops and businesses that locals rely on, which so many visitors come to enjoy. 
Supermarket home delivery is convenient, but shop locally and you will find added value – a friendly smile and a chat, the inside track on where to go and, of course, some great local characters.
So please do your bit and support our local shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs whenever you can. Enjoy Peculierly Masham life to the full.
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