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.
It was held at 2022NQ in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The choice of venue and quality of exhibitors were excellent.
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 – upholstery & cushions using vintage fabrics.
ScandiNord – Scandinavian lighting and neon installations.
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.
Who are you & what do you do?
My name is Jane and I set up my business, Jane Blease Design in 2008. I design & make lighting and homewares which I sell from my shop, my online site www.janebleasedesign.co.uk and from numerous galleries and boutiques in the UK.
I strive to use my materials in both efficient and imaginative ways. In my current collection, I intricately embroider wood veneer using a selection of vibrantly coloured threads to create bespoke lampshades, framed artwork, jewellery and accessories. I came up with the unique & unusual technique in 2009, initially woodburning the holes by hand, which created a very rustic effect. For precision, I now laser cut the elaborate patterns, this allows me to create much more intricate designs which I then finish with spirals of threadwork.
I use mainly wood to create my products but I also use recycled plastics and vintage, imitation tortoiseshell. It was produced in the 60s & 70s, specifically for making glasses frames. It is one of the earliest plastics ever made, which I have re-claimed, re-formed, lovingly restored and transformed into beautiful lampshades.
How did you get into the business?
After graduating from my 3D Design course at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2006, I was one of 8 artists who gained a place on the Design Initiative 2006-08 Setting Up Scheme, which provided a comprehensive business development programme. This allowed me to transform my product ideas into a functioning business. I now have a shop/studio in the Manchester Craft and Design Centre.
Who or what inspires you?
Being based in the Northern Quarter, one of the most diverse and up-and coming areas of Manchester, I am surrounded by inspiration on a daily basis. I also love going for walks in the countryside and take inspiration from the natural world. All of my work is organic, either in form, pattern or materials used.
I love seeing what the craft world is up to so I visit exhibitions up and down the country on a regular basis. This also helps me to decide on the right places to show my work. Plus, the internet is an amazing resource these days, there are so many great craft and design blogs.
I’ve got an exciting adventure coming up this year! I’ve been handpicked by the renowned industrialist and heritage conservationist Abhay Mangaldas to take part in an artists residency in India this summer. For six weeks I’ll will be working alongside the local crafts people of Ahmedabad to develop products for the modern market. I will be combining their more traditional skills with my modern approach to design.
My existing product range should evolve beautifully by taking inspiration from some of the local skills. India’s culture and scenery will inspire me immensely I’m sure.
What has been your greatest success?
After two years of hard work, my business is going from strength to strength. In Summer 2010, I was chosen by executives at Manchester Airport to create 22 pieces of framed artwork for the Escape Lounge in Terminal 1. The embroidered artwork covers three, 4-metre walls and is the focal point of the contemporary ‘snug’ area. This was my biggest and most prestigious commission so far.
In April this year, I took part in the British Craft Trade Fair, and was delighted to receive The Bluefin Insurance Award for Excellence. It was my first trade show and I was overwhelmed by the response to my work. There was a definite buzz around my stand with attendees commenting on the uniqueness of my products. I had a fantastic show, I took lots of orders and I have got some great exhibitions lined up as a result, Similar Threads or Edau Tebyg at the stunning Oriel Mostyn Gallery in Llandudno next month,MADE at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park Nov-Feb and a few others later in the year too. I am extremely proud of my achievements and feel like it is the beginning of a great future for my business!
Have you got any advice for someone wanting to break into the business?
Make the most of all the opportunities that come your way! It takes a few years for businesses to establish themselves so you will need patience (and a part-time job), but if you think you have a niche then go for it. Also, in terms of your work, there are no mistakes when it comes to design. I always say that the best ideas come through experimentation, so don’t be afraid to just have a play.
We originally wrote this post way back in May 2009 and since then there have been lots of changes on the Manchester vintage and hand-made scene so we thought it was high time to update our guide.
We’ll mainly concentrate on the Northern Quarter area of the city centre so we’ll start with Manchester Craft & Design Centre (17 Oak Street, M4 5JD). It’s a wonderful old Victorian building – a former fish & poultry market.
Spread over 2 floors, it houses a number of fabulous designer/makers, each with their own workspace cum retail outlet.
There are lots of gorgeous jewellery, clothing, home furnishings and accessories on sale.
Special mention must go to Calico Angel at Holm, owned by Susan Kane & Clinton Pilkington.
Not only are their products beautiful but the display was really imaginative – it’s an inspiring space.
There’s also a lovely little coffee shop, Café Aromat, on the premises. On a recent trip we had the best home-made muffins we’ve ever tasted!
As you leave the centre, don’t forget to pop into the RSPCA charity shop opposite (15 Oak Street, M4 5JD). We give it a mention because there aren’t many charity shops in the area and you can find the odd vintage treasure in there.
Just around the corner is James Darby (Thomas Street M4 1ER) a bespoke tailor.
In his words, “Think authentic Savile Row meets Picasso, old school quality with contemporary artisan twist.”
James counts many Manchester band members as customers; think Oasis, Happy Mondays, The Courteeners et al.
During the visit Adelle was completely smitten by James’s boxer, Trevor. He completely emptied her pockets of dog treats!
Sticking with the hand-crafted theme, we move along to Craft Saturday.
Its name is a give-away, it’s an outdoor market held on Saturdays at the Piccadilly end of Tib Street alongside the Food Market.
It consists of a number of outdoor stalls selling clothing, bags, accessories, jewellery, gifts and homewares – many using recycled fabric and materials.
We’ll begin the vintage chapter with Retro Rehab (91 Oldham Street, M1 1JR).
It’s probably the best shop in the area to source pretty, patterned 1950s dresses.
Opposite is Ryan Vintage (46-50 Oldham Street, M4 1LE).
A real rummager’s paradise – both men’s & women’s fashion and very popular with Manchester’s large student population.
Also on this street is Pop Boutique (34-36 Oldham Street, M1 1JN), one of the most long-standing vintage shops in the area.
It always has a few tempting things in the window. Once inside, you’ll find their own label, retro fashion upstairs a bustling, adjoining café (great for people watching) and vintage homewares downstairs.
There are also branches of the shop in Liverpool, London, Leeds and Gothenburg, Sweden.
A bit further along the road on the opposite side is Blue Rinse (21-23 Oldham Street M1 1JG).
Adelle found a bright floral shirt that she quite liked the look of!
Also on Oldham Street is Oxfam Originals (51 Oldham Street, M4 1JR)
… a great selection of clothes, bags, shoes and ties and of course, the money you spend goes to charity!
Close by is Affleck’s Palace, (52 Church Street, M4 1PW) something of a Manchester institution.
Three floors of fashion, vintage and alternative culture.
Across the road & round the corner, Junk Shop (2 Dale Street, M1 1JW) is also a fairly new addition.
This shop’s ethos is all about sustainable, ethical fashion.
They make re-purposed fashion via their own labels – Made In The Mill, Jumble and Label of Love.
The entire shop interior is fitted using recycled and reclaimed materials – including a counter made from Fairy Liquid bottles! They also run regular dressmaking, tailoring and styling courses.
Deep sells lots of up-cycled clothing using re-configured denim and screen-printed sweatshirts in a rainbow selection of colours.
They also have a music station where you can stand and listen through headphones whilst admiring album artwork.
A short walk away from the main Northern Quarter area, across Piccadilly Gardens is Cow (Unit C1, City Tower, Parker Street, Piccadilly Gardens, M1 4AH).
As well as Manchester, there are Cow outlets in Sheffield, Birmingham and Nottingham.
It was by far the largest vintage store on our trail and its merchandise displays were really imaginatively done.
Adelle managed to keep her purse in her bag for most of the trip but, at £15 for the pair, these two dresses proved too much of a temptation – they came home with us!
Here’s a handy map of the Northern Quarter where we’ve highlighted the location of all the shops featured in this post.
On our day out taking photos we only walked round the city centre but there are lots of vintage shops in the ‘burbs. Our favourite out-of-town vintage shop is Wowie Zowie in Chorlton. They have a wide selection of well edited, excellent quality stock. It’s tricky to fill a shop with lots of choice without making it look too cluttered – Wowie Zowie really pulls it off.
We don’t get to visit nearly as often as we’d like – but that’s probably a good thing for our bank balance as we never leave empty-handed!
Here are a few of others we highly recommend:
Planet Vintage Girl – Often to be seen (wo)manning a stall at vintage events, Laura has permanent pitches at Insitu and Empire House Antiques Warehouse (see below for details)
Electric Slims Vintage – Also at Empire Mill (upstairs), they have a small but well edited stock of vintage clothes for men & women.
One of the biggest changes on the vintage Manchester scene is the rise in the number of vintage fairs & events. It suits some folks – no need to have a permanent bricks & mortar shop where you need to be at least 5 days a week (and therefore frees up your time to go hunting for stock!); none of the associated overheads of having premises: rent, rates, utility bills; you get the chance to meet lots of other sellers; you can have a stall in Manchester one week, Leeds the next and York the week after – have vintage, will travel!
Here’s a list of vintage Manchester events & fairs – we’ve covered the whole of Greater Manchester as there are lots of them popping up.
Vintage Home Show – This event happens 3-4 times per year at the splendid Victoria Baths. They also have separate vintage fashion and vintage wedding shows
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