Shops / Shop of the Week
Shop of the Week: The Children’s Scrapstore, St Werburgh’s
More than four decades after its inception, the home of bringing scrap to life in Bristol is continuing to thrive.
The Children’s Scrapstore has had a mission of providing recycled creativity to our city since it opened in 1982.
Located in St Werburgh’s, the charity is abundant with all things fun, from the colourful art shop ‘Artrageous’ to the immersive playroom.
is needed now More than ever
The charity’s ‘artrageous’ art shop makes crafting accessible – photo: Molly Owens
Upon embarking the store, you are also met with their vibrant members only scrap warehouse.
The warehouse is filled with countless unusual objects like old trimmings of flamboyant prom dresses or unused plastics from Southmead hospital: all supposedly for the dustbin but rescued and reused.
The warehouse upcycles everything a crafter could need – photo: Molly Owens
Kate Fowler, the chief executive of the Children’s Scrapstore, said: “The point of the charity is really to save things from landfill and give them another use”.
Starting with selling just a bit of glue and paint, Kate shares that the store was a small offshoot of Friends of the Earth and originally based in Brislington.
Kate told Bristol24/7 that the team have owned their current building for almost 22 years, saying that it started as an intimate member-only business before expanding into a space for everyone.
From clay, t-shirts to instruments the art shop is overflowing with opportunities – photo: Molly Owens
Roisin Clothier, head of communications, said: “No day is the same, as we have the scrap store and the shop, we get so many interesting people in working on such interesting projects.
“There’s so much happening, you get a really good view of different arts organisations and children’s charities across Bristol, It’s all really exciting.”
Zoë Charlesworth, the shop manager, said: “Arts and crafts shouldn’t be a luxury but often it is, so It’s quite nice talking to people and saying actually this is really easy, you can get started and it’s not going to be expensive.”
With reliable customers, it’s easy for the store to knows what sells and what doesn’t, so supply for the store and warehouse is not a problem for Kate and the team.
The shop also provides new materials to help crafters get started – photo: Molly Owens
Intending to provide the most eco-friendly and energy efficient version of their services, the store has ideas for the future.
Plans have been made to sell a part of their land and refurbish the building, with understanding that the site is due for an update.
Kate said: “We need to bring it up to date so it will last for 50 years yet.
“With ambitious goals set in place, the Children’s Scrapstore will continue its unique legacy on.”
The proud team continues to serve their customers over 40 years on – photo: Molly Owens
“You’re never going to find anything like this anywhere else,” Fowler said.
With your Bristol24/7 membership enjoy 20% off Messy Play and Craft sessions on us.
Main photo: Molly Owens
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