Buddug & Jessie - The Shop

I went up to east London on Saturday and had a stroll along Columbia Road, it's full of lovely little independent shops, but my favourite is run by Buddug Wyn Humphreys and her friend Jessie Chorley. We have been stocking Buddug's work in the shop at Oriel Myrddin Gallery for a while, and this year she is also part of our Christmas show, LUX. Using vintage finds along with her distinctive enamel work, Buddug makes quirky jewellery and housewares often with words and phrases in both English and Welsh. Although based in Hackney, Buddug originally comes from north Wales. 

Buddug Wyn Humphreys

Jessie Chorley is also from Snowdonia in north Wales, influenced by old books and  text, she combines stitch work with paper and found objects to make jewellery and housewares along with hand-made books and journals. Their shop (158a Columbia Road, London E2 7RG) is open on Saturday 12 - 4 pm and Sunday from 9 am - 4 pm, and during the run up to Christmas on Wednesday from 5 - 9 pm.

Jessie Chorley - seen here

A few doors down is Ryantown, the shop showing the work of paper cutting artist Rob Ryan. His beautifully intricate work has become incredibly popular lately with designs available as greetings cards, ceramics, skate boards, scarves...

Rob Ryan - seen here

I continued on to Brick Lane on my wander with the intention of visiting a few shops and galleries, but got caught up in a fantastic event - Santacon. I had no idea why there were hundreds of Santa's gathered for a carnival-like parade in the street - but I found out later it is a worldwide semi-spontaneous gathering of folk dressed as Santa intent on having a good time and spreading cheer and goodwill...excellent!