5 of the best UK independent businesses supporting makers
There are so many amazing small, independent and/or family run shops across the UK. A vast, thriving and generous community of people that all believe in bringing a little bit of beautiful to the everyday, celebrating craftsmanship and all things handmade.
There has never been a better time to share the love. It’s tough out there and our country’s makers, craftspeople, producers and artisans are so important. They create one of a kind items that are made with passion, pride and skill, unrivalled by a vast majority products out there today. Not to mention that it helps build community, support heritage craft and practices, turn away from mass produced consumerist culture, encourages cyclical economy [eg locally sourced materials], owning high quality last a lifetime products and the nice feeling that you’ve invested in someones future and/or current practice.
So, in celebration of Independents Weekend [6-7 July] we’ve put together a little list of just some of our favourite indie businesses celebrating and sharing the passion and skill that makers and artisans have to offer. We hope that it tickles your tastebuds to explore, make some new discoveries and show some support. By shopping with them you aren’t only supporting their businesses but the makers they celebrate too.
SPOT
Image courtesy of SPOT - photo credit Mark Gilles
www.thespotdesignmarket.co.uk
@spotdesignmarket
Founded by Anna Hepburn, SPOT creates stylish design led markets, workshops & events and most recently opened their first bricks and mortar shop on the Southside in Glasgow.
Anna saw a gap for a carefully curated, supportive environment that champions the contemporary makers, craftspeople and artisans of Scotland. Their markets are more like a lifestyle store where you have the opportunity to meet your designer, and their shop provides a core range of design led products alongside a rotation of beautiful items from local makers. SPOT also hosts workshops and events that are open to all.
If you’re not within reach of their wonderful shop, then have a browse of their website and instagram. While we await the arrival of their online shop, just drop Anna a message if there’s anything you love! All profits are currently being put towards the renovation of their community space so shopping indie never had greater meaning.
2. Pophams Home
Image courtesy of Pophams Home
www.pophamshome.com
@pophamshome
With brick and mortar shops in Islington + London Fields, Pophams Home firmly believe in the quality of craftsmanship and artisanal products that bring beauty to the everyday. Their collections are a chance for them to share the artists and creatives, whose styles and stories have inspired them.
Showcasing a curated selection of artisanal products, each piece is handmade, and chosen for its simple beauty and minimalist style. Spanning across glassware, linens, ceramics and [Islington shop only] freshly baked pastries/pantry goods - they offer a truly lovely selection of pieces that add the very epitome of slow, calm and meaningful living to your home!
You can also enjoy an opportunity to learn new skills and celebrate the joy of craft with workshops led by makers/artists from across the UK, in their studio.
3. Artists & Objects
Image courtesy of Artists & Objects
www.artistsandobjects.com
@artistsandobjects
We could get lost in spending time perusing Artists & Objects collection, artist/maker profiles, journals and Q+A’s. It’s a place that truly embraces the people behind the objects and they pride themselves on unearthing the most exciting talent from UK studios. Their evolving collections feature a rich mix of traditional and modern crafts - a real treasure trove of beautiful objects.
We recommend sticking the kettle on and settling down for an a couple of hours to dive into the stories, imagery and carefully selected collections of pieces in their shop.
4. The Home of Handmade
Image courtesy of Home of Handmade
www.thehomeofhandmade.co.uk
@the.home.of.handmade
Home of Handmade is a curated shop that celebrates founder Alex’s recognition of the importance and value of hand-crafted goods. With everything from jewellery, skincare, decor, tableware and confectionery, Alex wanted to make access to considered, unique pieces easy. It is often said that for every purchase makers/craftspeople do a happy little dance - and Alex is determined to help keep them dancing.
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for their upcoming pop ups and collaborations!
5. Land Tales
Image courtesy of Land Tales
www.landtales.co.uk
@landtales_store
Based in Walthamstow and run by Hannah, Land Tales is an online treasure trove to discover work by studios and workshops from all over the country. You'll find products from makers and producers including pottery, print, weaving, wood-turning, confectionery, and more.
Land Tales aims for a product range that’s small-but-perfectly-formed, so that they can support their makers over the long term. Some of them are keeping heritage crafts alive, and others are experimenting with new ways to make things.
If you want to see their curated range of lovely things in person you can also find their seasonal pop up shop at Host of Leyton, East London.
Support small, shop local and buy well.
If you find something you love, share the love! Whether it be in person with a pal or online via socials - it goes a long way for every business/maker out there.
