Founded in Liverpool in 2019 MerseyMade embarked on a mission to showcase the work of local artists and artisans and now it is expanding into Wirral. Tony McDonough reports
MerseyMade has opened a new shop in Wirral, four years after it started showcasing the work of local artists and artisans in Liverpool.
Established by Vicky Gawith and Jenny Dunlop in 2019, they wanted to establish a creative hub in the city. MerseyMade set up a base at the Grade II-listed Chancery House. Earlier this year they set up a pop-up shop at nearby Liverpool ONE.
Now it is home to a shop, cafe, artists’ studios and space for events. It includes work by bakers, crafters, illustrators, painters and jewellers who are located within 50 miles of its postcode.
MerseyMade’s new outlet is in Banks Road in West Kirby. It is a “treasure trove” of original artworks, ceramics, jewellery, candles, gifts and cards and showcases the work of more than 100 of the region’s most talented creatives.
An additional 30 Wirral-based independents have been signed up as part of the expansion. MerseyMade’s West Kirby hub will predominantly focus on the work of Wirral artists, artisans and makers.
Reflecting its coastal location, the new MerseyMade venue features original artworks capturing familiar local views including West Kirby Marine Lake, Hoylake Beach and Hilbre Island.
Among the local artists whose work can be found at MerseyMade’s Wirral hub is Hoylake-based Beth Sheldrake, who is known for her paintings of the peninsula’s dramatic seascapes.
Visitors can also discover distinctive ceramics inspired by the colours, textures and motion of the seas. These are hand-crafted by Lonn Landis at his Neston home, using locally foraged clay and glazing made from mussel shells from Red Rocks Beach.
Vicky Gawith, who lives in the area with her husband and four children, said: “Bringing the MerseyMade concept to the Wirral has long been an ambition of mine. I am thrilled to have found the perfect location in West Kirby.
“As an independent creative hub, we’re looking forward to enriching the local community and supporting Wirral’s talented artists, artisans and makers, particularly those who tend to work from home or in small studios.
“Our aim is to source original artworks and unique pieces that have been created right here on our doorstep and bring them all together for people to uncover at MerseyMade.”
Kara King, Manager of MerseyMade in West Kirby, is also well-known in the local community having set up and run Staacks Art Gallery for over 12 years.
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She added: “There’s been lots of excitement about the opening of MerseyMade in West Kirby and the local support has been incredible.
“Anyone who has visited MerseyMade in Liverpool city centre will be familiar with some of the pieces in the collection at our new West Kirby shop and there is plenty more to discover as we are now working with more Wirral based creatives than ever.”