I have a huge passion for high street regeneration. So many UK towns are filled with empty shops, losing their heart and soul. I remember Mary Portas saying on Queen of Shops that retail was no longer just about selling things—you had to create an experience. That idea stuck with me for years, fueling my dream of having a shopfront for my upholstery business. I wanted large windows where people could peek in, watch the craft, and connect with the trade. Now, I do have shop windows—not quite on the high street, but close enough!
This weekend, through my Sit on This! collaboration with Ray Clarke, we were invited to the Isle of Wight to witness an inspiring regeneration project in action. The team Shade Makers UK, supported by volunteers and funded by Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, are transforming a historic department store on Ryde High Street into an arts centre— DepARTment.
Ray and I were there to teach upholstery techniques for café seating, but we also had the chance to tour the space and see firsthand what an incredible undertaking this is. This project sets a powerful precedent for revitalising high streets across the UK, proving that creativity and community can breathe new life into once-forgotten spaces.
DepARTment opens on March 13th—if you’re heading to the Isle of Wight, go check it out!