Last week, from Thursday until Sunday, we were honoured to host our first ever pop up event at West Elm‘s beautiful Tottenham Court Road store in London. The collaboration came about after we teamed up with West Elm for our Room Refresh feature in the current issue of the magazine.
Photo: Yeshen Venena
We were thrilled to be invited to not only showcase 91 Magazine in the store but also curate a selection of independent sellers that we love and who we felt embodied the magazine. Plus, as we love a little bit of creativity around here, we also set up 11 workshops over the course of the four days, ranging from stop motion video with Xanthe Berkeley through to the basics of weaving with our very own 91 designer Lucy Davidson.
Photo: Yeshen Venema
It was lovely to spend a few days peering into the world of high street retail, to meet lots of people and spread the word about 91 Magazine, but for me personally I wholeheartedly enjoyed spending time with the sellers and workshop hosts who we had chosen to join us.
The Lovely Drawer‘s stand / Photo: Yeshen Venena
Reste‘s stand / Photo: Yeshen Venena
Botanique Workshop‘s stand / Photo: Yeshen Venena
We had a glorious mix of sellers ranging from Lollipop Design’s colourful and graphic stationery and homewares, to Botanique Workshop’s beautifully hand crafted, botanically inspired pieces, to Bluebird Tea Co’s delicious range of loose teas. We all regularly found ourselves perusing the other sellers stalls, scheming on what we would snap up before the end of the event! Plus lots of the makers could be found crafting away at their stands during quiet periods – it was so lovely to get an insight into their making process.
Roco‘s stand / Photo: Yeshen Venena
Nancy Straughan‘s stand / Photo: Yeshen Venena
Bluebird Tea Co‘s stand / Photo: Caroline Rowland
Lollipop Designs stand / Photo: Yeshen Venena
Sew and Saunders stand / Photo: Caroline Rowland
Katie Robbins Ceramics stand / Photo: Caroline Rowland
There was such a wonderful sense of camaraderie amongst the sellers, despite all of us being on our feet for four days. We all shared our experiences of running indie businesses and working for ourselves, and everyone was genuinely happy for other sellers when they made a good sale.
Heather Young‘s textural wall hanging workshop / Photo: Caroline Rowland
Louisa Thomsen Brits hygge talk / Photo: Yeshen Venema
As for our workshops, I can honestly say I wish I could have participated in every single one! I did my best to hover when they were taking place, but I desperately wanted to sit down and start making with the groups!
Bluebird Tea Co‘s tea blending workshop / Photo: Caroline Rowland
Xanthe Berkeley teaching stop motion video / Photo: Yeshen Venema
it was lovely seeing everyone at work and also to view the results afterwards. I really enjoyed some of the stop motion videos that were created during Xanthe’s workshops – you can view some on our Instagram tag #91magxwestelmpopup
Lucy Davidson‘s weaving workshop / Photo: Caroline Rowland
Katie Robbins (Ceramic Magpie) workshop / Photo: Caroline Rowland
Eucalyptus wreath making with Posy and Petal / Photo: Caroline Rowland
Photo: Yeshen Venema
Overall it was a great four days, and if you came along we really hope you enjoyed it! A huge thank you to all our our sellers and workshop hosts who made the event SO enjoyable, and of course, thanks to West Elm for inviting us into their lovely store! It’s definitely given us the taste for taking part in events and meeting our readers in person, so watch this space folks!