Shops / Shops
Inside the gallery inside a shop
At the top of Gloucester Road, high-street strollers will find themselves walking past Room 212.
This shop-fronted space holds a gallery in its back room, where artists, makers and jewellers from across Bristol showcase their work.
Sarah Thorp, who founded the space ten years ago as a pop-up rentable art space – and incidentally lives beneath it – has now expanded it into a permanent base.
is needed now More than ever
A treasure trove of cards, prints and more line the walls of the shop
With original paintings, prints, tote bags, and more, the space is an ode to Bristol’s creative spirit, and will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
Sarah originally helped out as a press liaison for North Bristol Art Trail, which has enabled local artists to open up their studios to the public for 21 years.
Artists on the trail wanted to have their work displayed in Sarah’s shop year round, which suited her well, as it allowed her to be at home for her kids while earning a living.
Sarah also occasionally opens her downstairs studio & garden for painting classes and as a venue on the North Bristol Art Trail.
Many of the artists whose work is displayed in Room 212 have had residencies there since the early days of the shop, and they’ve developed a community with close ties, holding regular get togethers and community events.
Independent jewellers share their work here, alongside artists and makers
Local artist Toni Burrows – whose intricate mosaic works include the Bristol favourite, Lovers Walk and Turbo Island – has their work displayed here.
Sarah is also deeply involved in the thriving Bishopston community, helping to organise Gloucester Road Mayfest, a day of celebration with market stalls, children’s activities and music which begins at the bottom end of Gloucester Road and ends on Horfield common.
Sarah is keen to ensure the shop stays as affordable as possible. A background in art has given her a keen eye, and Room 212’s window displays are a work of art in themselves.
Room 212 will celebrate its 10th anniversary this summer.
212 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8NU
www.room212.co.uk
All photos: Mia Vines Booth
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