New Barkers exhibition in Northallerton celebrates family legacy

The Barkers History Gallery, located inside the home store on Yafforth Road, tells the story of the fifth-generation business, one of the area’s best-known retail names.

It traces its journey from its origins as Oxendales Drapery through to the present day, offering visitors a window into more than a century of retail and family history.

Mr Sunak, MP for Richmond and Northallerton, said: “Barkers is a truly iconic business.

“The exhibition helps to explain why it has been central to the economy of the town for generations and is so well loved by its customers and also the many loyal staff who have worked there.

“It is vital that we celebrate and cherish family businesses like Barkers and the new gallery does that in an informative and entertaining way.”

The exhibition features a curated collection of documents, photographs, and artefacts, much of which has never been seen by the public before.

One of its centrepieces is the original Barkers delivery bicycle from the 1950s, now suspended from the ceiling.

Other highlights include vintage shopfront signage from the 1950s and 1960s, original press clippings, historical documents, and a digital slideshow of key moments in Barkers’ history.

William Barker, part of the fifth generation of the family to work in the business, said: “While our focus remains firmly on continuing to develop and grow the business, we also believe it is important to reflect with pride on where it all began.

“This gallery honours our family’s history and the generations who have helped shape the business over the years.

“We are deeply proud of the legacy they have built, and sincerely grateful to our customers for their continued support throughout the years.”

Mr Barker said the idea for the gallery originated with the late Charles Barker, who amassed a large archive of photographs and newspaper articles documenting the company’s past.

Visitors can browse a selection of original newspaper prints covering major moments in the retailer’s development, along with displays of the iconic “Outfitters” and “Furnishers” signage that once adorned the shop front.

Enlarged reproductions of historical articles and a coffee table display of books on Northallerton and the surrounding area add further context to the exhibition.

The gallery has been created by William Barker, great-great-grandson of the founder, also named William Barker.

The Barkers History Gallery is now open to visitors inside Barkers Home on Yafforth Road as a permanent display.