A group of Bedford artists and makers are showcasing their work at a brand new pop-up shop in Milton Keynes.
The Indie Collective opens on Friday (23 October) in the former Pret a Manger unit at intu in MK following a successful crowdfunder campaign and backing from the local council.
The shop will showcases independent artists, makers and designers all under one roof, encouraging people to shop local and support small businesses.
Artists representing Bedford include Pearl and Clover, Hannah Carvell, Holmes Sweet Holmes and Rosie and The Boys. From just over the border in Mid Beds is Nutmeg Wall Art, run by pop up co-founder, Adele Mackinnon.
The shop is the brainchild of Adele alongside Carly Byrne and Steph Orr, all small business owners keen to do their bit to save the high street and support other independents during a challenging time for retail.
The shop will offer an eclectic mix of homeware, décor, baby products, prints, bags, upcycled clothing, and personalised gifts – just in time for the festive season.
“An empty unit is a sad sight for any high street. We saw this an as opportunity to bring our retail dream to life,” says Steph Orr.
“Not only will the store be a place to shop but also an experience, as you get to know the makers behind the products and their stories. We have all spent the past six months shopping online and it is time to support bricks and mortar stores if the high street is to recover,” she adds.
Hannah Carvell is among the Bedford artists whose work is on sale at the Indie Collective, but if you can’t make the trip to Milton Keynes, she currently has a solo exhibition at the Arc on Howard Street in Bedford and her prints are sold at épanoui on Mill Street.
“The Indie Collective are such supportive bunch of creatives and the hard work that’s gone into bringing this together in tricky circumstances is huge,” said Hannah.
“I’m very excited to be part of it and be able to have my prints in a shop setting among so many cool small brands, I can’t wait to see it in action and to be selling my prints within Milton Keynes Intu centre alongside shops like apple & Zara feels massive.
“Gemma from the The Arc has been a joy to work with, she approached me back in the summer and has been amazing at getting the show off the ground.
“The Arc is such a cool space she has a real eye for gorgeous things and it’s a complete honour she asked me to come and join the gang with this show.”
Gemma, owner of The Arc, said, “We are delighted that our first exhibition as The Arc is with Hannah.
“Her work is a perfect match for us; colourful, cheeky, and full of girl power. It’s flying off the walls.
“We’ve also worked with Hannah to offer framing on all of her prints sold. Let’s just say, there are a lot of glitter and neon spacers coming out of our studio at the moment.”
If you want to support other local makers, designers and crafters closer to home, check out Made in Bedford at Number 13, which combines a vegan cafe with locally made goodies and épanoui on Mill Street.
