A new shop has opened in Penrith, bringing together local independent artists and craftspeople to offer them a high street presence.
Husband and wife duo Matthew and Vanessa Mawson moved to Aspatria last year from Kent keen to breathe the fresh Cumbrian air.
They have chosen Penrith as the place to launch their new business — Stepping Stones — a shop which offers local artists a place to display and sell their goods without the constraints of manning a shop or stall.
Matthew, who himself creates digital design goods on sale in the shop, said they see Penrith as somewhere with a broad demographic of people from those using the town as their local shops to tourists visiting the area.
Opening their doors in Penrith’s Narrows for the first time today, they said they were pleased to see the town busy and had lots of interest already.
They have stocked the shop by contacting local craftspeople through social media including Kings Meaburn rope-maker Ian Outram and Renwick based fabric and interiors designers Liam and Lucy Barrett of Lakes and Fells among others.
