London’s fascinating and historic district of Greenwich has
a brand new attraction that showcases the talents of local artists and
craftspeople. Made in Greenwich is a shop/community hub just yards away from
the Docklands Light Railway Cutty Sark station, and is packed with locally-made
and exclusive goods that reflect the area.
You can find anything from a piece
of beautiful jewellery to a colourful scarf, unusual lampshade, eye-catching
cushion, flattering headpiece or even a macramé plant hanger.
There are beauty products, candles, pictures and bunting, while foodies can
browse the local produce, safe in the knowledge that no air miles have been involved in their creation. And for those seeking a little souvenir of their visit,
there are Made in Greenwich mugs and a range of beautiful cards.
The shop is
the brainchild of GCDA – the Greenwich Co-Operative Development Agency – which
aims to support people and enterprises in the area. The stock changes all the
time. The shop’s curator, designer and writer Mary Jane Baxter, has a creative
background that includes two craft books and being a judge on the popular BBCs
daytime series Paul Martin’s Handmade Revolution, so is always on the lookout
for new talent.
She has created a delightful interior that makes the most of
upcycled material including surplus paint from The Forest Recycling Project
and wallpaper remnants used in collages (donated by Pickwick Papers in Greenwich) to cover the doors. At the rear is
a creative space that can be hired for workshops, pop-up events or training (above).
Some of the goods are created by Mary Jane herself, including these imaginative artificial flowers that feature re-used knitting needles and old maps. There will be a pre-Christmas celebration in December, but if you are already
on the lookout for festive gifts, my advice is to get along there now, before
the crowds descend.
Made in Greenwich, 324 Creek Rd, SE10 9SW. Open Thursday to Saturday
1000 – 1700, Sunday 1100 – 1700
Ph: 020 8269 4880
