Independent Interiors Show

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Overhead projection of designer/makers at the Independent Interiors Show, 2022NQ, Manchester

We went along to the inaugural Independent Interiors Show this Saturday and judging by this event, it certainly won’t be the last. Rachel and Victoria of The Social Butterfly who organised the event will be very pleased with the huge success of the day.

Entranceway to 2022NQ, Manchester

It was held at 2022NQ in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The choice of venue and quality of exhibitors were excellent.

view of the Independent Interiors Show, 2022NQ, Manchester

A wide variety of independent designer/makers & shops were present. Their stands looked great set against the industrial fabric of the building and Justin really enjoyed photographing them. Here’s a run-down of those present.

Eclectic Chair at the Independent Interiors Show, Manchester

Eclectic Chair – upholstery & cushions using vintage fabrics.

Scandi Nord at the Independent Interiors Show, Manchester

ScandiNord – Scandinavian lighting and neon installations.

Jamie B Edwards at the Independent Interiors Show, Manchester

Jamie B. Edwards – distinctive contemporary artwork.

Caslon & Co at the Independent Interiors Show, Manchester

Caslon & Co – vintage inspired textiles using antique wooden printing blocks.

Jorja Wilkinson at the Independent Interiors Show, Manchester

Jorja Wilkinson Design – contemporary and quirky fabrics and interior products.

Elisabeth Jane Winstanley at the Independent Interiors Show, Manchester

Elizabeth Jane Winstanley – acrylic, wood and metal sculpture & design.

Liz Foster at the Independent Interiors Show, Manchester

Liz Foster Design – handmade appliqué cushions.

Helaina Sharpley at the Independent Interiors Show, Manchester

Helaina Sharpley – exquisite sculptural wire work.

Northern Letters at the Independent Interiors Show, Manchester

Northern Letters – prints, posters & tiles using vintage fonts sourced from Northern quarter signage.

Lisa Watson at the Independent Interiors Show, Manchester

Lisa Watson – sumptuous quilts & throws.

Hannah Nunn at the Independent Interiors Show, Manchester

Hannah Nunn – paper cut lighting and a brand new wallpaper range.

Amanda McCrann at the Independent Interiors Show, Manchester

Amanda McCrann – contemporary mosaicist & artist.

Annabel Perrin at the Independent Interiors Show, Manchester

Annabel Perrin – surface pattern design & homewares.

Lisa Southern at the Independent Interiors Show, Manchester

Lisa Southern – contemporary furniture.

Flitty Bird at the Independent Interiors Show, Manchester

Flitty Bird – decorative homewares & furniture.

Memo Illustration at the Independent Interiors Show, Manchester

Memo – hand printed products including stationery, coasters, tote bags etc.

Claire Murray at the Independent Interiors Show, Manchester

Claire Murray Designs – hand crafted surface pattern for wallpaper & textiles.

Lomas and Lomas at the Independent Interiors Show, Manchester

Lomas & Lomas – handmade light shades, cushions & artwork.

May Wild at the Independent Interiors Show, Manchester

May Wild – ceramics.

Inspirit at the Independent Interiors Show, Manchester

Inspirit – bespoke industrial furniture & shelving.

Demonstration by Sian Astley of Morgeous

There was also an up-cycling demo run by Sian Astley of Morgeous and a big screen situated in the atmospheric café/bar area showcasing each of the exhibitors. Nice coffee there too!

We highly recommend this show – it’s already in our diary for next year! Justin took tons of photographs, so here’s a slide show of further shots if you fancy a leisurely browse.

Tuesday Huesday: Vintage Wimbledon

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Wintage Wimbledon travel poster designed by Herry Perry for Underground Electric Railways Company Ltd in 1931

Well, it’s finally happened – Andy Murray has broken the drought of 77 years! Wimbledon has seen the first British men’s champion since Fred Perry way back in 1936. To celebrate, we’re sharing this vintage Wimbledon poster designed by Herry Perry (I wonder if she was any relation to Fred) in 1931 for Underground Electric Railways Company Ltd. Prints are available from the London Transport Museum.

Gail Kelly calendar

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black & white cover of Gail Kelly's 2013 calendar featuring a linocut oak tree and acorns

Yes, it’s March, but we’ve only just got round to getting ourselves a 2013 calendar. We have high standards & requirements, you see, when it comes to choosing our annual calendar – it needs to be long & narrow as it has to fit the little strip of wall just inside the front door…

Gail Kelly's 2013 calendar hanging in our porch with white jug of yellow tulips and small vintage milk bottles

…it also needs to be attractive – no fluffy, cutesy pictures of animals much as we love them; no pop stars (Justin Bieber or Cliff Richard just won’t cut the mustard!); no artistic/moody/atmospheric shots of castles/ruins/seascapes/mountains; no humour (who wants to hear the same joke every day for a month?). We trawled Etsy, Folksy and Notonthehighstreet and eventually came across this Gail Kelly calendar.

wild cherry tree black & white linocut illustration beech tree black & white linocut illustration
willow tree black & white linocut illustration apple tree black & white linocut illustration

We first fell in love with Gail’s linocut illustrations when we saw her at the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate about 5 years ago. We’ve been stocking her tree greeting cards at H is for Home ever since!