The Papered Parlour
ARTS THREAD was in Clapham on Saturday to check out the ‘Come across Stitch’ intervention – popping in to the Papered Parlour, for a welcome cup of tea and a rather fabulous cake.
Artist Hannah Hull was out and about creating a stir in the outdoor environment – we spotted her giant bunting adorning a building on The Pavement in near Clapham Common. With the sun shining, the cheery vibe continued inside the Papered Parlour where selected artists, illustrators and craftspeople were showing and selling their work.
Hannah Hull; Beeb Design, The Papered Parlour
There was lots on offer for ‘girly girls’ – from Abigail Brown’s super-pretty craft pieces and cards, to Beeb Design’s trendy cloth dolls, and cards and illustration from Mary Kilvert. The cosy cafe walls are furnished with mis-matched, salvaged crockery from a bygone age and the mood enhanced by 40’s tunes played on an old record player.
Abigail Brown, The Papered Parlour
We also found Tpcat, an illustrator whose strange, captivating work is a surreal and often dark mix of Manga comic strips and Beatrix Potter and Kimmy Huang’s lovely black and white illustration.
Tpcat and Kimmy Huang; Tpcat, The Papered Parlour
Comforting nostalgia aside, the owners of the Papered Parlour have a clear vision of their future. The studio at the rear, is currently home to 12 artists and photographers, who share a collective space. Set up by Claire and Louise less than a year ago, their philosophy is for artists to be able to work in a supportive and collaborative environment. They want to create a vibrant alternative to the individual, closed off and often competitive atmosphere of many artist studio spaces.
They run workshops, in knitting, sewing, screen printing and even silversmithing, which are open to all ages and are hugely popular. It all feels fun and fresh – and yet warm and welcoming – we wish them continued success.
