FEWER than one per cent of the population buys original art, according to Arts Council research.

This is where the Own Art scheme comes into play at galleries such as Kentmere House in York.

Backed by the Arts Council, the monthly payment scheme was set up five years ago so first-time buyers could enjoy an original artwork in their homes, and since then it has financed £10m worth of purchases nationally.

Kentmere House Gallery, in Scarcroft Hill, was one of the first in Yorkshire to be selected for the scheme and has been among the most successful nationwide, making more than three times the average number of loans.

Gallery owner Ann Petherick explains how Own Art works: “It’s a brilliant scheme. The purchaser pays no deposit, no interest and no fee; they can take their painting away immediately and the artist receives their payment within a week,” she says.

“It enables those on average incomes to start building a collection of original art, as a painting costing £500 can be bought for only £50 per month. It’s more fun than paying the council tax and it really is a win-win situation.”

The Green family, of Wentworth Road, York, have been enthusiasts from the start. Helen works for a bridal boutique in Micklegate, daughter Hannah for Brunswick Organic Nursery, and Hannah’s partner, Andy, for Pexton’s in Bishopthorpe Road, and between them they have taken out eight loans.

“A few years ago, we would never have thought that we could own even one piece of original art but now, thanks to the Own Art scheme, we have pieces by nationally known artists such as Tessa Newcomb, Jack Hellewell and John Brunsden and quirky sculptures by West Yorkshire artist Mick Kirkby-Geddes, all bought from Kentmere House Gallery,” says Helen.

“More recently, we’ve bought Selby’s rising artist, John Thornton. It’s great watching an artist’s reputation grow and hearing of his successes elsewhere,” says Hannah.

• Kentmere House is open every Thursday evening, from 6pm to 9pm, and on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month, from 11am to 5pm, plus any other time by arrangement on 01904 656507. The next open weekend will be on May 2 and 3, when the gallery’s Louis Turpin exhibition will be running.