Oxford artists have joined forces to reopen a Victorian shop over Christmas and fill it with homemade art, jewellery and ceramics.
The pop-up shop in the historic Twinings building in Summertown, called Flash in the Pan, will be open for a month from Saturday.
It is the brainchild of jeweller Tess Blenkinsop and printmaker Susan Moxley, who have opened a Christmas pop-up shop each year since 2008.
Ms Blenkinsop said: “The idea is to exhibit art and entice people in. It’s like an art gallery, but it’s also somewhere you can buy Christmas gifts, from £1 to £2,000.”
The building has been empty since Ripples bathroom showroom moved out several years ago. It was originally a Victorian grocers, Twinings, and then a cycle shop.
It is still owned by Sydney Denton, who ran the bike shop.
Last year, the pair’s plans nearly crashed when their chosen venue, owned by the Corner Club in Turl Street, went into administration a week before the opening, but Oxford City Council helped them find a last-minute alternative.
This year’s venue is still empty partly because a planning application by Pizza Express was rejected in July.
Ms Blenkinsop said: “I’ve had my eye on it for some time. We start looking for empty properties in September. It’s absolutely beautiful.”
They are co-operating with local businesses, including the Bookhouse, which is running a book-signing event in the shop on December 1, and Summertown Wine Cafe, which is holding tastings on December 14.
Customers can also make their own gifts at weekend workshops with artist Francesca Shakespeare.
Fay Webster, of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, said pop-up shops were becoming more common. She said: “In the lead-up to Christmas, retailers are looking for new ways to push up sales.
“Pop-up shops can help as they are around for a limited period and create a sense of urgency to buy, particularly as there is a peak in customer demand during the festive season.”
Flash in the Pan is open every day until December 23. Events include a cookery demo on December 8 and Winnie The Witch’s Birthday Party on December 11.
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