The Shopkeeper's Journal

Friday, 20 May 2011

New collections just in + a treasured item...

Pedigree Chums Book

by Alice Pattullo

Since launching Alice's work last winter we have sold out again and again of her limited edition prints and books. There is something about her work that is so of the time, so lust-worthy!

In this new work she steps away from the screen printer and uses a mixture of photo-printing combined with hand painting, ensuring each one is slightly different.

Each page is folded and features a antique dog figurine. You can keep it as a book or unfold and frame the large pages.

These limited edition fold up books are real collectors items and make great gifts.

Ceramics by

Fliff Carr

Fliff Carr creates sculptural ceramics from her studio in North London where she explores both scale and pattern in her work. In this series she has created an elegant small jug with a relatively enormous handle that seems to belie physics but which stands and pours with precision.

This exploration of scale continues with Fliff’s ‘Treasure Bowls’; delicate earthenware dishes which are impossible to resist cupping in he palm of your hand to marvel at. When placed next to the Hoop Jug, the treasure bowls seems to exaggerate even further the handle and proportions of the jug becoming components of a sculpture.

They make beautiful objects for display but equally function well as a cream jug and sugar bowl on the kitchen table. See the collection here...

Don't forget to check out our other ceramic collections in the newly spruced up Ceramic Rooms...

My Treasured Item

Samantha Allan (one half of The Shop Floor Project) explains why, out of all of beautiful objects in the shop, this is her favourite.

"Asking me to pick one item from our collections is very hard. However, the Hummingbird Skull necklace by Erica Weiner is something I have worn every day for two years!

I am currently reading The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal which explores the author's ancestors and their identities via a collection of tiny hand-carved, Japanese Netsuke figures which have been handed down through his family since the mid 19th century.

As I read this book, I am reminded of my Hummingbird Skull necklace. It was not handed down like the Netsuke were to the author, but I have chosen it as the object I carry around with me and wear daily (like the original intention of Netsuke), to play with when I am concentrating, to show people and watch their astonishment at the tiny size of it, and to ponder on the wonder of nature. It is my own heirloom that I would never give away."

Exquisitely cast in sold brass from an original skull, it measures no more than one inch from skull to beak - available from Erica Weiner's cabinet in the Jewellery Room.

Back in stock!

The striking Herd cotton scarf by Lee May Foster is back by popular demand, perfect for summer days!

Thursday, 21 April 2011

A few treats for the long weekend

The mini-heatwave is set to stay for the long weekend and whilst we'll be making the most of the great outdoors, the weekend is also perfect for making a pot of tea and browsing, at your complete leisure, some of our amazing new collections, reading our Designer of the Month feature and perhaps immersing yourself in the spotlit-rooms of The Menagerie exhibition - which closes next month after ten months and has been our most visited exhibition in the history of the shop!

Whatever you're up to we hope you have a great weekend!

Threadbare Birds

For all of you who are currently collecting, or just love Abigail Brown's birds, get ready to be excited! She's added four new species to her stunning Garden Birds collection

The Hoopoe

The hoopoe is an exotic looking bird that is the size of a mistle thrush. It has a pinkish-brown body, striking black and white wings, a long black downcurved bill, and a long pinkish-brown crest which it raises when excited. It does not breed in the UK, but as many as 100 birds can turn up in spring.

The Kingfisher

The Jay

The Bullfinch

View the full collection of birds here

The Golden Egg

It just seemed like a natural progression after the Threadbare Birds to display our Gold lined quails egg necklace. We've been selling this necklace for three years now it's popularity shows no signs of slowing down. We often have to create waiting lists but luckily we have a new batch which has just arrived in time for the Easter weekend!

Designer of the Month

Elinor Voytal

We interview the textile and jewellery designer to see what inspires her to create the most beautiful and tactile of pieces.

Click here to read the article and see the full collection

WALLPAPER

April and May are apparently the months that most people decorate the house. It must be something to do with the change of light that makes us look at our interiors with fresh eyes.

We have a lovely collection of papers and are always happy to discuss requirements with you and provide samples ( you can call the studio anytime on 01229 581159)

Pick of the Week

Our pick of the week is the lovely Pink Star clutch bag by Dolapo James. Made using her beloved collection of African textiles, this large clutch bag looks both retro and modern.

Much more can be seen at

www.theshopfloorproject.com

Thursday, 7 April 2011

Country Pursuits by Alice Pattullo

A set of limited edition prints by Alice Pattullo exclusively commissioned by The Shop Floor Project

Inspired by traditional country fairs, Alice Pattullo has created a set of prints which celebrate the folk traditions found uniquely in different counties of Britain. From swan-upping in Oxfordshire, sword dancing in Northumbria, wrestling in Cumbria to the pipe smoking competition at the Egremont Crab fair. It’s a glorious way to celebrate and document these eccentric traditions that are rooted in myths, folklore and the seasons.

Alice will be launching a new set of prints each season as part of the Country Pursuits collection.

Limited edition of 25 per print, 30 x 42 cm, £45 each.

Swan Upping

Swan Upping is an annual ceremonial and practical activity in Britain in which mute swans on the River Thames are rounded up, caught, marked, and then released. Traditionally, the Monarch of the United Kingdom owns all unmarked mute swans on the River Thames. This dates from the 12th century, during which swans were a common food source for royalty.

Cumberland Wrestling

Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, also known as Cumbrian Wrestling, is an ancient and well-practised tradition in Cumbria at the agricultural summer fairs. The origin of the this unique style of wrestling is a matter of debate, with some describing it as having evolved from Norse wrestling brought over by Viking invaders.

As The Shop Floor Project is based in Cumbria and the field behind our old studio was used for an annual country fair, we've seen these dramatic, silent matches first hand. The wrestlers wear beautiful hand-embroidered vests, purple velvet pants and white long johns - and take it very seriously indeed!

The Egremont Crab Apple Fair

Pipe Smoking Competition

Every year since 1267 the townsfolk of Egremont hold an annual celebration after harvest time, known as The Crab Fair. The events held are traditional and do not involve the mechanised swings and roundabouts which became part of so many fairs from the late nineteenth century. The modern-day fair is held on the third Saturday in September and is eagerly awaited by the whole community. Events at the fair include the celebrated World Gurning Championship, the pipe smoking games and the singing of traditional hunting songs.

The Sword Dancers of Northumberland

The rapper sword tradition is traditionally performed in the mining villages of the Northumberland and Durham North East England, especially in Tyneside on May Day. The dance is a fairly rapid one, performed at around 100–160 beats per minute, with different team styles using different rates. It should nonetheless be performed in a smooth and graceful manner, with one figure flowing seamlessly into the next. A number of acrobatic figures can be employed, including forward and backward somersaults over swords.

The collection is available here...

Monday, 4 April 2011

Tamasyn Gambell's new collection featured in Elle Decoration this month!

These stunning notebooks are designed by eco-textile designer Tamasyn Gambell in her signature style which references faded flags and modernist architecture.

Made using blank ‘reject’ sheets from a local printers in Holborn and environmentally friendly inks, these little gems show how beautiful ethical products can be!

£11.50, for a set of three notebooks