Christmas Pop-Ups

Let's face it, even in boom times, there's always the odd empty shop on the high street. But when times are tough, our shopping parades look positively gap toothed. So it's great that in recent years, plenty of initiative has been shown regarding this issue. The 'pop-up' phenomenon has been a boon, injecting life and creativity into dark and shuttered premises. Locally, Lewis Kite has been spearheading a campaign via the Chamber of Commerce to re-use empty shops, and in particular was looking for somewhere for his partner, Sam to sell her range of baby clothes. His appeal on the local Facebook page had a response from Julie Rumlerova, who had a shop on Belvedere Road, called Julie's Handmade World, which had sadly closed. They then set about inviting other local design and crafts oriented people, who might not have had the financial ability to open their own shop, to share the space. The result is a space with a variety of products, which nevertheless feels like a proper shop, with a considered range, rather than an indoor market or bazaar. But of course, being a pop-up, its life will be brief, opening again tomorrow (sunday 15th) and next weekend (saturday 21st and sunday 22nd).

The shop at 3 Belvedere Road

Julie Rumlerova
Knitwear & Soft Toys

Sarah Dennis, Magpie and Hen
Vintage toys, books and clothes

Sam Perry, Lil Beans
Children's clothing & toys

Soilse Lundberg, Bewilder

Baby hats

Alice Robertson & Ben Alderman, Stripey Pipey
Cards & Calendars

Michaela Simova, Blowing Dandelion
Handmade Chocolate

Linda Edvardsen, Bo Nordica
Homewares & paper decorations

And some of the team, from left to right: Lewis, Sam, Alice, Sarah, & Julie

Meanwhile on another corner of the Triangle, it comes as no surprise to find a pop-up in a pub! The Nordic Pop-up at The Sparrowhawk until December 29th, is run by Martina Helin. Originally from Finland, Martina has been doing pop-ups for nearly 10 years, in London, Brighton and Helsinki, and constantly finds new products to sell, and new makers to represent. Most of the artists and designers are friends and colleagues that she has met through her daytime job as an events organiser, often working on brand launches during London Fashion Week.

Lampshades, by Alice Aitkin

Copper Jewellery, by Sadie Clayton

T Shirts, by Blood, Sweat & Ts

Poola Kataryna Jewellery

Xi Designs, Jewellery

Baby Clothes by Carry me Home

Papagaio

Life can often feel like a treadmill, of work, eat, sleep, on an endless loop. It's easy to get stuck into a routine, and through lack of time or money, or both, lose sight of the world of possibilities out there. So I'm always impressed when I hear stories of people who find the energy to campaign and make things happen. And as I've discovered, there is no shortage of  drive and commitment among locals to make a difference on so many fronts, from the cinema and library campaigns, to Transition Town, and the future of Crystal Palace Park.

After studying International Relations (with Russian, Portuguese and Spanish) at LSE, Emma Astles joined the rat race, becoming a metals trader in the city. Though no doubt a lucrative position, she found it unfulfilling, and eventually embarked on a trip to Guatamala, to do voluntary work. From there she went on to northern Brazil, where she set up and ran a school in a notorious favela called Mata Escura (Dark Forest), a world away from Thornton Heath, where she grew up. The school is part of a charity, Grandmother Clara's Dream,  that Emma set up, to provide a safe place for local children, in an environment that was anything but safe. In an area of such poverty, a cook is also employed to provide regular meals for the children. 
After 3 years, Emma returned to London, and at first resumed her work in the city, but quickly realised she needed to work for herself, and preferably doing something related to children. And so in April this year, she opened a toyshop. The long term aim, once the business becomes profitable is for a proportion of the those profits to go towards the charity. The shop at 83 Church Road feels very much like an old fashioned toyshop, selling things that even I would recognise. Rather than simply stocking the biggest brand names, Emma tries to source interesting and unusual products from small suppliers. Some items, including cards, clothing and bunting are locally made, and being Crystal Palace, you will find plenty of dinosaur related merchandise.
Emma is proud to be among the Triangle's independent traders, particularly those along Church Road, and loves the local buzz. However, she's less keen on the one way traffic that races past the shop all day. The jolly green parrot which gives the shop its name is certainly a bright and welcome addition to the street, though sadly I photographed it before the lovely christmas decorations were installed. But then a local toyshop isn't just for Christmas after all.

Emma Astles

Papagaio

83 Church Road

020 8653 1070