Blue Patch are excited to launch a pop-up store in collaboration with Manchester Art Gallery. The Happy Planet store will enable members to showcase their sustainable products & services and help to create awareness of their businesses while at the same time generating additional footfall for the gallery. The event runs from 26 January to 18 April.
The Power of Positive Shopping is an ongoing project run by Blue Patch to match members with pop-up retail spaces. The project has held pop-up stores in Dulwich, Marylebone, Shoreditch alongside the Blue Patch Sustainability Awards presentations, and the Whitworth in Manchester in 2019.
The collaboration between Blue Patch and Manchester Art Gallery was initially planned for 2020, but had to be postponed due to the pandemic. However online sales of products via the gallery’s website helped members immensely during this difficult time for both makers and event venues.
The Happy Planet store will see members able to sell both in-store or online during the event. Over 35 Blue Patch members are taking part and they will be showcasing a wide range of products for home, wellbeing and children.
Katie Walker Furniture 
Rocworx 
Artisan Willow 
4160 Tuesdays 
Buezeval Furniture 
Ian Mankin 
Yorkshire Willow Baskets 
par avion co 
Helicona Furniture 
James Ince Umbrellas 
The Stitch Society
Traditional sustainable crafts
One of the themes for the event is traditional sustainable crafts and artisan trades. These can be seen in the work of Buezeval Furniture who make small batch wood furniture using sustainably sourced wood, Artisan Willow producing willow birds nest lampshades and sculptures from 100% sustainable materials, 4160 Tuesdays who make handmade perfumes in reusable bottles and The Stitch Society making artisan workwear and providing repair and repurposing services – contributing to the circular economy.
Artisan trades
James Ince Umbrellas have made traditionally made umbrellas since 1805, Angela Cole is a traditional willow basket maker, Rocworx is a traditional marble artist and leatherworker making vessels and lampshades, Heliconia Furniture make low volume contemporary furniture pieces from sustainably sourced wood, Ian Mankin are weavers of designer furnishing fabrics and throws, Katie Walker crafts small numbers of signature pieces of furniture, and last but not least, par-avion co make willow and hardwood furniture using a process that is recognised as an endangered craft.
This list highlights just some of the talent which will be on show in the Happy Planet store. We would love to have as many people as possible visit the store during the event and we are sure that you will be amazed at the craftsmanship and ingenuity displayed by members who are taking part. Alternatively visit the online store and see a selection of products from our members.
Look out for next month’s article when we will look at natural and non-toxic products that would make great gifts for Valentine’s Day.
The Happy Planet Store at Manchester Art Gallery Sustainable : Local : Heritage
