Pink and Poppy Atelier: An intended wallpaper and paint business turns into a space for artists to display their art during lockdown.
Photo by: Abbey Mill Studios @abbeymillstudios on Instagram
The vibrant, family-run atelier located in the historic Merton Abbey Mills, supports the work of local artists through the workshops that they run.
When lockdown measures were implemented, Marek Ciechanowski’s (a wallpaper designs and paints businessman) plans to start a shop with his own wallpaper faltered. Instead, the space the family had secured in Merton Abbey Mills, a former centuries-old textile factory– lay empty.
Ieva (@ieva_bee on Instagram), a family friend and local artist, asked if she could display some of her art for people to view from the window. Seeing Ieva’s work, other artists also started expressing their interest in showcasing their art. With the display having attracted a larger audience toward it, artists have benefitted with sales of their paintings.
“We then realized that opening a gallery full of the work of local artists would be another great business plan, as it was a business that could even be run remotely and would support local artists,” said Iwona J Ciechanowska, Marec’s wife.
After the lockdowns were lifted, the shop was reorganized to be more gallery-like and the family started working on social media and branding. Iwona and Marec’s daughter, Victoria, 20– who is passionate about art – designed the logo with her friend. Keen to start her own business, Victoria’s parents decided to give her a kick-start with the atelier.
The wallpaper shop was going to be named “Pink and Poppy”, after one of William Morris’ wallpapers. Morris, who was a textile designer, writer, artist, and social activist, ran his textile factory in Merton Abbey Mills from 1881 to 1888. He was also known for providing fair conditions for his factory workers and paying them more than the going hourly rate.
“We really wanted this to be the name as we want to embrace the culture and artistic nature of the area. As we wanted both our businesses to be under the same 'parent' company, we decided to call the gallery "Pink and Poppy Atelier" to keep the consistency and branding similar,” said Iwona.
Keen to support local artists, Pink and Poppy Atelier let artists display their art free of charge. Artists state the asking price on their pieces and the gallery charge their commission on top, never deducting it from the artists’ price.
Artists are welcome to contact Pink and Poppy Atelier @pinkandpoppyatelier on Instagram (a website is in the works), if they would like to display their work. However, there is a waiting list as the business has started taking off.
“We cannot wait to further grow our business and once the restrictions are lifted again we will have different local artists doing workshops so that anyone who feels like they would like to try something creative, whether you're a pro or an amateur, can find something that suits them in our shop.
We want to really show people how important creative outlets can be and how great they are for mental health too!” Iwona explained.
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