TOPSHAM
H
IS FOR HENSHER
The Booker-shortlisted novelist Philip Hensher used to live in Topsham, and appropriated it (renamed ‘Hanmouth’) as the well-heeled, bohemian backdrop to his darkly comic 2011 novel King Of The Badgers. It wasn’t exactly a loveletter, but still. . .
I
IS FOR INTERIORS
If you’re jeujing up a house, chances are you’ve spent some time at Topsham’s design hotspot, Dart Business Park, where you’ll find high-end kitchen and bathroom supremos Sapphire Spaces, Amos Lighting’s new showroom, and Dusk Lighting, as well as Fired Earth and the AGA Shop showroom at Darts Farm across the road. In Topsham itself you’ve got, to name but a few, furniture store Casa, Carter-Derrick Carpets, French- and New England-style goods at the ultra-tasteful Nest Interiors, and ethical mattress-makers Natural Mat, who supply Harrods!
Lose yourself in the quirky shops of meandering Fore Street 22 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk
JIS FOR JEWELLERY
Creative types love Topsham, and it seems to be a particularly fertile spot for jewellers. Check out Topsham-based online trader By Tory for elegantly simple pieces, and Anna Bowen’s Birdie Num Num which is available online and also in her bricks and mortar shop Bird Cage. Quirky costume pieces can be found at Violette and more classic fare at Topsham Jewellers.
K
IS FOR KNIGHTLEY
That’s Steve Knightley. One of the country’s greatest folk musicians (and PJ Harvey’s former guitar teacher) is a proud Topsham resident who gets involved in plenty of local events and good causes. He formed Show Of Hands with Phil Beer in 1986 and the pair tour regularly (with Miranda Sykes on double bass).
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IS FOR LIBRARY
Story time and reading groups are among the events on at this volunteer-run community resource run by the local charity Estuary League of Friends. ALSO: Popular gastro-boozer The Lighter Inn; and gorgeous gift shop Lark.
TOPSHAM
MUSEUM HOUSES THE SILK
NIGHTIE
VIVIEN LEIGH WORE IN
GONE WITH THE WIND