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This month’s news from the unofficial capital of the Blackmore Vale...

A sneaky peek into the astonishing new 1855 in Sturminster Newton

The eclectic new browsing bank of artisans and traders has proved an instant hit in the town. Laura Hitchcock reports

The interior of the old NatWest bank in Sturminster Newton has been veiled in secrecy for many months. Passersby couldn’t see through the boarded up windows, and the solid bank doors remained firmly closed to casual onlookers. The Sturminster Newton Benefit Society Ltd (SNBS) took over the lease of the old building last year, and have been promising an ‘indoor market of artisans’. The BV got a sneak peek inside ahead of the official opening – and it was a rich and beautiful surprise.

Not for profit

Gone is the dull, austere banking interior. Instead the building has been stripped back to its elegant, airy bones – even revealing an original fireplace that no one knew was there. The history of the building has been used as a feature, not hidden and decorated over, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The space is light and airy, and is as far removed as possible from the simple jumbled collection of local makers items that was clearly expected by the invited guests. Instead the inviting interior showcases an ‘eclectic bank’ of more than 30 carefully-selected artisans. 1855 was officially opened by Sonnaz, Repair Shop expert, on Friday 25th November at 4pm and everyone is warmly invited. ‘Every single trader is connected to the Blackmore Vale area.’ manager Cheryl Basten told the BV ‘The one exception is Wolf Wine who are based in

Bath: however, they have links to Sturminster Newton’s only winemaker, and next year will be stocking Sturminster’s own wine. ‘We do still have a few trader spaces available, but there is an application and interview process to go through – whether for an artist, an artisan craftsperson, a drinks producer or a trader. The product has to sit well in the store, complement the other traders and be of an equivalent high standard.’ The result of this due care and attention to detail is a vastly varied mix of items which oddly work together in a room comfortably filled with bare brick, wood, and wire cages strewn with industrial lighting. ‘Traders pay a very small rent for their space,’ said Cheryl ‘and then SNBS take a 10 per cent commission on all sales. We’re a non-profit, however – after costs are covered, ALL profits go back into regeneration projects for the town.’

Kitchens to kaftans

The old bank manager’s office to the right of the entrance is currently filled with a range of bespoke cabinets by the Sturminster Newton furniture maker Original Crate Furniture – who has been creating distinctive bespoke wooden furniture on Sturminster’s Butts Pond Trading Estate for almost 10 years, and yet is little-known in the town. In the main shop area, each of the individual traders has a distinctly designed section to display their products. The tall free-standing glass case full of Elizabeth Shewan’s beautiful bronze jewellery caused more than one casual browser to pause. Lilypea’s beautiful candles and melts are nextdoor neighbours to local artist Beth Wood’s wildlife paintings. Stunning wooden sculptures from Jamie Hart stand alone in the centre of the floor, with a background of jewel-like coloured fabrics from Treasures from the Silk Road. ‘It’s just wonderful!’ commented one browser. ‘It’s so welcoming, and such a surprise. Between you and me I did NOT expect it to be this fabulous!’ said another. ‘I’ve already bought something!’ said a third. It is very clear that 1855 will quickly become a destination shop for the town, offering such a wide range of choices – every browse around the shop reveals a new item. Late night opening for the weekends will allow a visit after work for a bottle of wine or a last-minute gift, and Sunday opening will hopefully encourage more trailway visitors to continue their walks up and through the town.

1855 is open: • Mon and Tues 10am to 4pm • Wed to Fri 10am to 7.30pm • Sat 10am to 4pm • Sun 11am to 3pm