Shops / News
Hygge pop-up shop opens
Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is a Danish word encompassing feelings of snugness, warmth and happiness – although of course you already know that as hygge is everywhere this year.
It’s also the name of a pop-up shop open on the Christmas Steps Gallery until December 4 showcasing designers from across Bristol and the South West.
Walking into the gallery, it’s clear that the space has adopted the hygge concept. A soft, colour changing mood light designed by local artist Anna Glasbrook is mounted to the wall and creates a warm glow, while tufted, colourful drum stools and cubes handcrafted by curator Anna Gravelle add to the cosy vibe.
is needed now More than ever
Anna is a textile and surface pattern designer from Wraxall who has carefully selected artists and makers whose works reflect this idea of cosy living.
“I tried to choose colours, textures and things that would work together with a feel good factor,” Anna explains. “These are all things that I’d like to have in my own home.”
As the driving force of the pop-up shop, Anna knew many of the contributing designers through Hothouse, a scheme run by the Crafts Council, as well as other artistic communities in the area.
“I’ve always wanted to have my own shop full of lovely things,” Anna adds,
“The items on sale can’t be found anywhere else in the city so It’s an opportunity to showcase some unique and beautifully designed and handcrafted homewares and fashion accessories for the first time in Bristol.”
Items for sale include richly textured scarves by Helen Foot; hand woven, colourful rugs by Angie Parker, furniture designs by Coucou Manou; jewellery pieces by Katie Luxton, Viki Pearce and Stephanie Tudor – whose delicate necklaces are crafted from plaster and contain drift wood from Devon beaches – and much more.
Stephanie is a 25-year-old artist and bespoke surface designer who creates all her work in Bristol Studios in Barton Hill. Her wall panels and other pieces are made from Jesmonite and reclaimed materials.
“I’m a bit of a magpie” says Stephanie. “I either pigment the Jesmonite or cast different colours into it. One of my wall panels is made from reclaimed slate and glass that I collect from local glass blowers.”
On December 3, Charlotte Abrahams author of the book Hygge: A Celebration of Simple Pleasures, will be in the pop-up shop to give a book reading and host a question and answer session. Discussions about the concept of hygge and living the Danish way will be accompanied by mulled wine and a chance to meet local designers.
Find out more information about the shop here.
Read more: Bristol voted the UK’s most inspiring city