A BRIEF HISTORY

WHAT HAS BEEN AMAZING IS ALL OF THE LAIGHS WE HAVE SHARED.

There was (& still are) limited opportunities for artists working with their hands to have the recognition & space to sell original work that is not imported, mass produced products but also not all suited to a gallery ‘white space’. Their one-off retail space bridged the gap between the two & has given numerous artist/makers from all Wales /borders the opportunity to flourish, & to develop as tutors with workshops.


We opened our doors in 2016 right next to Penarth Railway Station. During this time we have worked with over 100 makers, & are proud to have given the opportunity to lots of new makers learning the ropes on commercial viability. What has been amazing is all the laughs we have shared running the retail side of a business & the opportunities to meet & work with clients who would never have found us. We closed our doors on the physical space in 2024 in order to concentrate on the other side of our business, & also to gain back some personal time.

During the eight years of being part of the Highstreet, they negotiated a complete shut down of glass production from their USA suppliers (crucial when you are glass makers!) due to new emissions laws. This followed swiftly on to the Brexit vote, then the Covid years/ shutdowns followed straight by the cost-of-living crisis! None of which either of them had considered with their rose-tinted spectacles on. However, a few things became apparent from this time:

• The importance of Community, an aspect of their business they had naturally developed since the outset working alongside local charities & supporting local causes. This also included giving time/ ideas back to the local business community in Penarth (Angelina having the enviable task of chairing it during the lockdowns!)

• The importance of their teaching programme, particularly for health & well-being.

• The importance of developing the business to suit their own personal needs.