Psychadelic Spurs

Dapper Alice is a unique boutique focusing on bold and bright patterns that bring you into a design wonderland. Artist and owner Megan Towndrow tells Gemma Murphy about her inspirational upbringing in a colourful home

Megan Towndrow grew up in an eclectic and vibrant house with a mum whose deep love of psychedelic patterns was joyfully passed down. ‘My mum and dad were hippies, basically,’ Towndrow says while describing the whirl of wonderful art she was constantly surrounded by as a child. ‘I was born in the 70s and there was always this incredible, bright stuff around.’ Inspired by a lifelong love of pattern, Towndrow decided to finally follow her creative calling and study textile design at Glasgow Clyde College at the age of 42.

Initially selling pillowcases, bags and phone covers, she now has her own collection of patterns which sit hand in hand with a vintage set, and creates pieces of art that are not only beautiful but functional. ‘I’m not particularly interested in fashion,’ she insists. ‘I wanted to do something that would showcase the pattern and if I can provide a functional item with it then that’s great. Everything I make is about showcasing the fabric and the pattern.’

The inspiration for her work comes not only from her family but a William Morris quote: ‘have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.’ So, a square pillowcase becomes the perfect canvas to show off stunning geometric patterns. Instead of hanging this art up on your wall, it sits on your sofa and provides comfort along with being aesthetically pleasing. Meanwhile, her bags function as many things: pencil cases or make-up carriers, for example.

The ethos of her shop, and the name itself, is inspired by her favourite book, Alice In Wonderland. Towndrow’s bright, fun and unique fabrics really do provide a sensory experience. Not only do her materials look smart and ‘dapper’, she also wanted to be clever with them. ‘The ethos is for colour and pattern to generate joy. But there’s also that recycled element as I don’t believe that anything should go in the bin.’ This is demonstrated in a popular range made entirely from the cut-offs and scraps of other pieces.

Her work reduces waste but also re-awakens vintage fabrics, and Towndrow’s favourite memory from running Dapper Alice highlights this. ‘I was contacted by a gentleman who told me that his mum was the designer of a fabric that I had. He asked if I would be able to make her a bag and a cushion out of the fabric for Christmas, and I also wrote her a letter explaining why I loved her design so much. Apparently she cried and was just so happy to see new life breathed into her fabric.’

dapperalice.co.uk