The Sutcliffe Galleries owes its existence to the enterprise of its founding member, George Sutcliffe, who, after a period of distinguished military service, decided upon his return to civilian life to pursue a career in antiques trading.
In 1947, George began to specialise in nineteenth century paintings, as these were, at this time, in reasonable supply in the environs of his home town Bradford - a town with a rich Victorian history.

In 1971, the Sutcliffe Galleries relocated to Harrogate, now with son Gary as a formal partner and principal buyer, where it became established as one of the few remaining family concerns of international repute continuing to specialise in the field of nineteenth century British and Continental paintings. The Victorian premises, which the Galleries occupy, are situated in the neighbourhood of the many and varied dealers who have, over the years, collectively established Harrogate as one of the finest British centres of excellence for antiques of many kinds.

After George's death in 1975, Gary carried sole responsibility for the establishment and its future.

In 1976 Helen Sutcliffe, who herself has a long and distinguished history family history in the field of antiques, joined her husband in the business and, in doing so, took primary responsibility for the operation of the Harrogate premises, maintaining and updating a comprehensive database of relevant artworks, communicating with clients and business associates, organising exhibiting at fairs, and attending to visitors to the Galleries. In this way Gary has been free to travel extensively, especially to auction venues, and to concentrate time in pursuit of his own area of expertise - the purchase of paintings.

The Sutcliffe Galleries have been a member of the British Antique Dealers Association since 1978, and Helen Sutcliffe is their Northern Regional representative.