Backstage: reopened and revisited

As a result of the disruption caused to businesses by lockdown, shops and restaurants have had to rethink and revamp their business model. Heather Morris, the owner of Backstage decided to do away with the hair salon side of her business, to concentrate on the clothing. And she's not just selling off the peg merchandise, but is now making much of it in store.

The front of the store is still the smart boutique selling elegant clothing, and jewellery displayed in Art Deco cabinets, one of which used to be in The Ritz , but in place of the salon stations towards the back, is a cutting table and several vintage sewing machines.

"Setting up a studio to produce clothes within the shop has been a long-held dream of mine", Heather tells me. So her collection of vintage fabrics and sewing machines have now found new purpose. The idea is partly to get away from the wastefulness of 'fast' fashion, and to produce beautifully crafted items that are an art form rather than a disposable commodity. Colourful Liberty prints are turned into beautiful, Japanese inspired Obi belts, as well as more conventional garments.

Heather's stylish store has already been a Westow Street fixture for nearly a decade, and I hope that this forward looking revamp gives it many more years ahead.

A Liberty print Obi belt tied around a vintage Jigsaw mannequin designed by Nigel Coates

The Studio

Heather at work with one of her vintage machines.

Backstage

47a Westow Street

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

Diamond Jubilee

I've mentioned the thriving independent spirit of the locals before, but do I also detect a streak of republicanism? Wanting to add a topical piece to the blog, I went in search of bunting and other displays of patriotism, but was sorely disappointed. Many shops and businesses have hardly bothered, and as so often, Upper Norwood appears to have slipped into the crevice between 5 boroughs, with no council sponsored decorations. If not republicanism, I guess it's simply a manifestation (or lack of) of the current austerity. My search wasn't completely fruitless however. Facing each other across Church Road, The Alma & Vintagehart had both made an effort. Vintagehart provided a classic punk themed window display. Ironically, punk, and in particular, The Sex Pistols and their version of "God Save The Queen" have over the years acquired national treasure status, making them as important to Britain's cultural identity as the icons they sought to smash. Meanwhile in total contrast, the simple but tasteful bunting in the pub opposite, was crowned by a blooming marvelous Union Jack!


The Alma

Vintagehart