Welcome once again, glad you could join me with the latest that is happening in the Pop Up. It's been a week of up and down, one minute sunshine, one minute rain and of course it was half term. I purchased myself the most beautiful bespoke lampshade which we will come to later, but in the mean time we will look at some of the new product that has just reached the shelves.
Artist of the week is Andrew Poder Boxmaker.
Andrew produces handmade heirloom boxes, jewellery boxes, desk boxes and blanket boxes. He works in English hardwoods and is a member of the Sussex Guild of craftsmen.
He uses highly figured English hardwoods and natural burrs, enhancing them by softening edges and plenty of sanding and finishing with a scraper. A coat of oil is then applied and finished with a hard paste wax to produce a tactile hand crafted feel to his work. He also likes to work with other artists in ceramics, resins and metals to add another dimension to his work. He believes that as much care should be taken on the inside of the box as the outside. In order to help achieve this, the interiors are lined with untreated aromatic cedars and suede. Boxes are designed around the new timber stocks coming into his workshop, allowing the woods to help shape the designs, making each piece unique. Andrew's personal makers mark and date stamp are added to each piece.
Ora Jewellery.
Ora Pearls was created by pearl specialist and jewellery designer Bib Southwell, who has spent over a decade sourcing and developing relationships with pearl farming communities and gem suppliers all over the world.
This unique range of beautiful pearls and opal jewellery is available in the Pop Up.
Claire Medhurst Art has relocated to the gallery and the display looks absolutely stunning, with a range of framed paintings.
Claire is a local Dorking mum of two girls who has always been creative. She is mainly self taught and likes to try lots of different media to create her images, from Lino printing to crochet - whatever it takes to make the artwork pop out!
She offers a range of textile products alongside her framed originals.
I hope you have all survived half term and come back refreshed and looking forward to the summer holidays whether here or away. Meanwhile do pop in and browse the new exciting products on our shelves and as always if you have any questions don't hesitate to contact us. I forgot to tell you about my bespoke lampshade you will have to wait until next week now....!