Wednesday, January 06, 2010

In The Bleak Mid-Winter...


As I mentioned in my post below, I was to be at Shepton Mallet early on Monday morning to meet the painter who was due to start work on the exterior of the shop.....And, despite the very cold conditions, he was there ready and waiting when I arrived.
By the end of the day he had prepared all the woodwork and masonry by sanding down and filling, and he had applied the first coat of blue eggshell...

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Tuesday: Bright and (too!) early again, work continued, even though the outside temperatures were bitter. The masonry was given its first coat and the eggshell was finished off, which is where we decided to leave it for now, as the forecast for Wednesday (and for several days to follow) was for snow.
All will need a second coat, so the painter is going to come back to finish when the weather improves. At least the shop front looks tidier now and I can open when I am ready, even if it isn't 100% complete. I need to arrange a sign writer to create my 'Nostalgia' sign above the door too.
Whilst all of this activity was going on outside, I got busy inside (where it was slightly warmer!) and finished off all of the interior painting. (Same colours inside and out) - I've had mixed feedback from local people walking past about my colour choice...hopefully it will grow on them! I do think it reflects my merchandise well and gives a neutral background to the riot of colour that will eventually go on inside.
I've also converted this little area in the corner (I think it was once a loo, but had been used as a small storeroom by the previous occupants.) The ceiling and walls were painted (as well as the electrics cupboard)...
I used selected pages from original 1900's French fashion magazines that I had collected, to cover the two smaller end walls.
I thought these were appropriate, as I intend to use the area as a fitting room. I hope to keep a small selection of vintage clothes in stock, as well as 50's aprons, and of course some hats.
With this in mind, it was vital to hang some mirrors in there too. These have been hung in place and are the ones that I made-over at the beginning of October last year.
One full length mirror...
And a smaller one the other end, ideal for checking the fit of a floral millinery creation!
Two old wooden shoe lasts secured to the wall are perfect as coat hanger hooks.

And I've also displayed my collection of antique and vintage wedding photos on the walls...

which I also mentioned here. The chair that I painted and reupholstered will be added to a corner of the fitting room when I move in properly, along with a vintage fabric curtain across the doorway.
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As forecast though, the snow arrived overnight and so a trip to the shop today was not possible. I was hoping to start moving my stock in at the end of the week, but that may be delayed by the weather conditions...
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Its been a fun 'snow-day' here today - so no school for our youngest...
It is a little frustrating how the country seems to grind to a halt when the white-stuff falls...I really wanted to set an opening date for the shop, but won't be able to yet, until I know how long the snow intends to stick around...so I'll leave you with a selection of photographs that were kindly sent to me by Isabelle. They are from her husband Alan's photo archives, which I believe he uses in his research for his website Somerset in 3D. - Many thanks to you both; these really are fascinating!
(Possibly early 30's?)
Each of the photos are taken in roughly the same direction; looking down the main high street towards Market Place and Town Street. (The shop on the corner, behind the Market Cross is the location of my shop - interestingly, it looks to have been demolished and then rebuilt in the 1970's - I shall have to find out more!)

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(above taken in 1974)
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(Present day!)
Hope you enjoyed the short journey through the decades! - I'm not sure if I've put them in the correct order - I intend to have copies of the photos displayed in my shop when I open, so perhaps I will be able to find out more about the history of the town from some of the local people.
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Keep Warm!
Niki x

37 comments:

  1. really like those old pictures on the wall, it´s a fantastic idea! besos - Lilian.-

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  2. Lillian6:58 pm

    Love what you have done. Colour choice perfect & details in fitting room perfect too. Look forward to seeing more.

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  3. Niki,

    Your new shop is going to be so beautiful, I love the colour you have painted the shopfront, it is a lovely traditional shopfront too. Pity I don't live closer so I could visit it. All the best with the painting and stocking hopefully the weather won't hamper you too much. Looking forward to seeing the progress

    All things nice...

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  4. Look - I'm the first commenter not called Lilian!

    Well, it looks wonderful and I am already dreaming of visiting. How could anyone not like that colour? It's hardly offensive, even if you happen not to share the same taste.

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  5. Niki - I love your creative interior decoration as well as the charming exterior paint choice for your shop and can't wait to visit. I am full of admiration for the fantastic result you have achieved through a wonderful combination of sheer hard-working, professional drive and enthusiastic verve. You fully deserve a Prosperous New Year and best wishes for a happy one also!

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  6. Niki, your shop is looking just wonderful!

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  7. Anonymous7:39 pm

    Niki your shop looks fantastic.What brilliant ideas you have.Can't wait to see the grand opening.Anne x

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  8. I love the fashion mag pics on the walls,and using the shoe lasts for hooks...what a great idea!What bad timing with the snow arriving and setting things back a bit.All good things are worth waiting for though,and it will be so worth I'm sure!

    Bellaboo

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  9. Che bello, è così entusiasmante vedere la rinascita del tuo laboratorio...mi è piaciuto tanto.
    grazie
    ciao ciao

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  10. I love your color choice, Niki. I had my SIL look at your blog when she was here for Christmas, and she is familiar with the brand of paint you are using (I didn't realize we could get it here, too ~ SIL said it is a VERY nice paint to work with). Is that a marquis next to your door? How fun! I heard about all of your snow on our local radio station this morning... my how news travels fast. I do think people here share an affinity for those across the pond on the same latitude. =)

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  11. WOW you certainly have some good ideas, it would be a pleasure trying clothes on in that room. I think the outside of the shop ties in nicely with the library, all spic and span. Lucey xx

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  12. Fabulous color choice Niki! And I am drooling over that fitting room! I'd loove to come there and try some gorgeous vintage hats!! That's for sure!
    Hugs,
    Monicax.

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  13. I hope to visit your lovely shop one day. I cannot wait to see what lovely things you place inside. SEa Witch

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  14. www.postcardsfromthepp.blogspot.com9:56 pm

    I think your shop looks lovely. Will definitely visit next time we're down your way!

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  15. I like the colour. I love the wooden shoe hooks and the vintage magazines on the wall.

    My grandfather grew up in Marston Magna and Yeovil and often mentioned Shepton Mallet. He left in the late 1920s, but as a child we always visited every year. So great to see all the old photos.

    Christy

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  16. I love the color of your store front. It is tranquil yet inspiring and elegant. Makes me want to go inside to see what's up! I'm so very excited for you on this new venture!
    Brenda

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  17. It's looking great, Niki, I can't wait to visit! Happy New Year to you too.
    Hen x

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  18. I just wanted to wish you all the best for the new year and your new shop. I'm sure you will be very successful.

    Fi x

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  19. I love the pages on the wall. You are making everything come alive with personality...

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  20. its all coming along nicely, despite the weather! i can't wait to see it all finished. you really do have a magic wand(or so it seems) don't forget to enjoy every step of your incredible journey!!!cheers christine

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  21. Niki - I am thoroughly enjoying the shop process! I love it - it looks great! Can't wait to see how it all turns out!

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  22. Its all looking absolutly lovely, I shall be visiting when the weather has improved.

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  23. Your journey is so exciting, I am really enjoying seeing every little piece of the shop coming together and the detail in which you have in mind for each area.
    Thank you for sharing it.
    Nicky x

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  24. Hi Niki
    I am snowed in and can only take the dogs around the fields, if you have looked at my post you will see poor old Flo!
    So I am happy to be sat here with my cuppa and the latest on your shop. It will be a success not only due to your stock but also your imaginative way of dressing the interior. If only I lived nearer I could join in and we could start a thriving little vintage community, until then(dream,dream) keep the reports coming - lovely colour by the way!
    Tracey

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  25. I love the colour choices Niki its going to be fabulous!

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  26. I love your colour choice Niki & the changing room is going to be fabulous....I feel quite nostalgic for my old shop now although mine was a modern clothing store.

    It's always fascinating to see old photos - it looked very busy & vibrant & I'm sure your shop will add something special to the town.

    Jayne

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  27. Guenievre1:59 pm

    Just two words : congratulations & lovely !
    I love the colours you choiced ! What a nice idea to use old vintage magazines to cover the walls.
    Bon courage pour ranger toute ta marchandise.
    Je suis sûre que ta boutique va avoir du succès !

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  28. The colour you have chosen is fabulous Niki! It will be THE shop in town to visit, trust me.

    Brilliant.

    Lisa xo

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  29. Hi Niki

    It's all looking super. Is Shepton Mallet not ready for your colour choices then? I'm sure you'll win them round in next to no time!!!!

    Sue xx

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  30. I don't understand why you should have got mixed feedback about the colour choice. I think it looks wonderful, and the inside is even better. I'm already excited about the interior of the shop and you haven't even stocked it yet! xx

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  31. How nice to have the old photos, a slice of history is always a bonus. I think the colour choice is ace & the changing area is fab too. Lizzie x

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  32. If that fitting room is a taste of things to come, then I can't wait to get up to see you! How gorgeous... I just love the shoes as hooks and the pictures of the fashion magazines...so pretty. I adore the blue as well. When I first painted the outdoor of my studio blue I had some very funny reactions, but now I am constantly asked what colour paint it is... I just think people don't like change initially. Keep going, it is going to be so gorgeous.
    Nickyx

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  33. love your shop already ! Love the pictures and your story about the history, thanks for sharing I enjoyed it very much!


    with love,
    Elise from Rotterdam

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  34. I've been following with fascination & love the pictorial history of the town & your store.
    Interesting too how you're having to refurbish it yourself. In N. America, the landlord would have been responsible for most of that work.
    Good luck with the grand opening! I wish you lots of customers! ...but not so many that you won't have time for new postings LOL
    hugs Karin

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  35. The shop is really is looking fab!well done!

    Another shop has come up,it is visble from the road...used to be Reg the veg who has closed (he is concentrating on his other shop)

    We would snap it up as a second shop but not quite the right timing!It is only £30 a month ,,,,I have heard the Portugese are looking at to sell food, which wont look atractive from the road

    Anyone out there? you will have to view it quickly! contact info@no21.co.uk

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  36. Wow everything looks so nice, I love the color you chose for the outside. I really like what you did with the dressing room it looks great. I love all those vintage fashions and photos

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  37. You must be just over the top anticipating it all! It's so exciting. I can't wait to see. I love your magazine pages on the walls. I might have to borrow that idea for our oh-so-tiny half-bath. Thank you so much for sharing your lovely life with us.

    Blessings.. Polly

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Thank you for finding the time to visit me...
Niki xx