Shops Feature pages 1-3.qxp_Layout 2 27/07/2018 13:08 Page 2
SHOPPING
Glass Designs & Gallery Glass Designs & Gallery has been a part of the thriving community of indie shops on North Street, Bedminster, for 15 years. The shop is owned and managed by stained glass designer and maker Claire Dadswell who actively supports local artists and makers, selling their unique and quirky prints, jewellery, ceramics, textiles and cards. She also stocks Bristol Blue Glass and Stokes Croft China and offers a bespoke framing service. There’s always something to tempt different tastes and pockets, from a lucky dip to a handmade Tiffany lampshade. Claire designs and builds bespoke stained glass panels and mirrors for the home in the workshop on site. 261 North Street, Bedminster, BS3 1JN 0117 378 9227; glassdesignsgallery.co.uk
Diana Porter Passionate about keeping the manufacturing of her jewellery in the UK, Diana Porter has her workshops located behind the store. Since starting her own business, making jewellery in her front room in 1993, Diana has gone on to be awarded UK Jewellery Designer of the Year and has received the seal of approval from the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths as well as being invited to join Who’s Who in Gold and Silver – the company’s prestigious directory of the leading jewellers, silversmiths and art medallist working in the UK. All gold pieces of jewellery are made in Fairtrade gold, something that Diana is very proud of. Diana Porter collections are in galleries and shops all over the country and beautiful work from other designers is exhibited in the shop. 33 Park Street, Bristol, BS1 5NH 0117 909 0225; dianaporter.co.uk
Toyville We always catch ourselves peering in at the myriad delights as we stroll past family-run, independent store Toyville in Bedminster. Local couple Lindsay and Joel opened the shop in October 2016 after feeling there was a real shortage of nearby stores in which to buy nice things for their young son. Since opening, their range has grown in response to customer needs and they now stock a huge selection of carefully chosen toys and games, for newborns right up to teens and adults. Try a board game from the extensive library or have that special present gift-wrapped for you. It’s just what a real toy shop should be. 20 North Street, Bedminster, BS3 1HW 0117 953 2876; toyvilleshop.co.uk
Kondi Gifts This much-loved gift shop is located on the vibrant Henleaze High Street. “We try to provide a real alternative to the large, multi-chain, high-street stores and aim to offer a far more personalised customer service experience than that found online,” says co-owner Ian Shenton. They have a wide range of gifts and cards suitable for all ages, along with a blend of items by independent Bristol-based suppliers, designers and artists together with some recognisable high-street brand names. “We know how important independent shops are to the Bristol community,” says Ian, “and equally how vital their continued support is to maintain a healthy and diverse high street.” Quite right! 103 Henleaze Road, Henleaze, BS9 4JP 0117 962 5464