A son and mother are bringing something new to the retail centre of Penrith — a plant boutique and gallery in Angel Lane.
Elliott and Julie Dunbarton opened their businesses together in Penrith after moving from Scotland.
Downstairs, the shop is filled with luscious house plants, and upstairs Julie has her studio, where she paints and also hosts painting courses.
Julie said: “Elliott is my youngest son and has grown up with my studio in Scotland. I have been a professional artist for 30 years this year, so he has always known about art and loved taking part in private viewings or shows in my own gallery.
“My last studio was a church in Langholm that we bought and renovated. It was a big, light space, so Elliott often kept his houseplants in there.
“Elliot has had a passion for plants for years and it became clear that his obsession was going to turn into a business.
“He started selling plants in my gallery and we were soon running both businesses in the church gallery.
“During lockdown, we decided to move back to England, as all our family live in Cumbria. Penrith was a place we knew well and we started to look for premises.
“When the property on Angel Lane was mentioned we immediately knew it could work well for both of us and after six months of planning we signed the contract for Angel Lane.”
With Instagram making houseplants even more popular, with interiors filled with beautiful foliage and blooms, there is a demand for healthy, quality plants — and also good advice on how to care for them. And Elliot offers a variety of unique houseplants.
Julie said: “Elliott’s knowledge of plants has become well known in the town and we soon had lots of returning visitors knowing Elliott could give them the right advice on how to look after the plant he sold to them, and the business has quickly taken off.”
While Elliott’s plants and business are growing, Julie is working on her paintings in her studio every day — and opens it to the public on Saturdays. She also has paintings in the plant shop and there are plants upstairs in the studio.
Julie added: “I was so busy with shows and commissions I have to dedicate my time to my painting. However, I am usually downstairs helping Elliott or having a coffee with him while choosing plants!
“The paintings and plants just seem to work so well together — and we really hope we will continue to share a space, as we both have a passion for art and plants.”
Elliott added: “We are so excited to be able to share our space and passion for art and plants. Thanks to everyone for their outstanding support.”
