The leaves are budding. The sun is shining. The days are getting longer. It is time to show you round the shop. This is what Spring looks like at The Hambledon.
In honour of John and Garry's month long (phew) sojourn at the shop with their paint brushes and a large vat of brilliant white emulsion we are celebrating a bright, fresh season.
Harriett has been working her magic in the windows. We've had a procession of lovely ideas already: Levete Room with cellophane covered balloons; early Spring Bellerose with bunches of dried flowers; later Spring Bellerose with outsize origami paper boats and its partner window Adsum with nautical inspired swags of rope.
We like to give our shining shop staff a back drop worthy of their talents. The shelves behind the counter are currently home to our very, very special new arrival Antoinette Poisson. Fresh from Paris, this collection is a wonder of the French art of the 18th Century dominotier. I know it sounds as if this might be a bit risque as a profession but the dominotier made 'papiers dominotes' which are the early precursors to wallpaper, used to line cupboards and cover books.
Read all about it over on the Journal ►
You know how much we love to tell a story. Spring is a tale of travel from Provence to Provincetown. This is a world of lovely contrasts: embracing 18th Century Europe and following a Mayflower voyage across the Atlantic to the New World. We've channelled Dolores Umbridge's Hogwarts wall of educational decrees with framed inspiration pics to show off our ideas for the season. We're loving Martha Stewart (natch), 1980s waspy Ralph Lauren and our very favourite John Derian. And all by way of Indian block printing, woven rattan and shabby antiques.
The inspiration made flesh. Check out By Mutti for some nautical Chinoiserie; Antoinette Poisson for beautiful cushions; Falcon Enamel for classic utility homeware; and watch out for new deliveries all the time. We're super excited about Bungalow's Spring things. We absolutely loved the delightful Sheenagh Day from Maison Bengal. And Noro are the new ultra plus of all things basket. Glorious.
Our very good friends at Pernille Corydon have taken over. For the next couple of months (yep, don't worry, we have Mother's Day covered for all your present needs) the Danish jeweller will be showcasing shop favourites and brand new designs. And the space has had a Scandinavian makeover. It's your chance to witness potplants and succulents at The Hambledon, before we accidentally kill them.
A great big welcome back to Petra Boase and her amazing neon risograph prints and cards. And a resounding round of applause for Rico Design and their cute, cute stationery. They have proved a super colourful starting point for this part of the shop. Everywhere else here might be celebrating restraint and immaculate good taste but this is a riot of shouty loudness.
It's super crisp down here. John and Garry have managed to bring the sunshine in. And we're still celebrating our new shelves and drawers from just before Christmas. And surprisingly bright and unusually patterned. For which, thanks YMC, Portuguese Flannel, Karhu and Saturdays NYC.
We have very much embraced the prettiness that is a dried flower and the First Floor is propped to the max with posy vases of little bouquets. The Front Room (Salon if you will) is awash with proper fashion. We love Ganni this season. We love Stine Goya. We love Custommade. The Middle Room (Vermeer if you will) is Bellerose town. Get involved. It's beautiful. And don't you love the new sofa. Hang out and enjoy. And the Rear Room (Denim and Basics) is looking anything but basic.
We very much hope to see you in Winchester to experience all of this in the real. If you can’t visit us in actual person, you can visit us virtually for a digital Spring experience.
