Shops / easton
Independent store and creative space to open in Easton
A new store selling work from independent creatives is opening in east Bristol.Set to open on Friday, November 1, owner Fran Harkness plans to run workshops in the space, as well as selling work by artists in Easton and across the city.
BAM Store + Space is located on Belle Vue Road, just a stone’s throw from The Greenbank pub and Mivart Studios.
Having worked as programme manager at the Folk House for five years, Fran’s idea for the shop had been a brewing idea some time, especially following the birth of her three children.
is needed now More than ever
Fran Harkness is a champion for the Bristol arts scene
When her husband saw the planning application for the building, which had been desolate for some time, to be turned into two industrial units and several flats, Easton-based Fran jumped at the chance to set up a community space and store.
Initially hoping to receive the keys to the building in May 2019, she finally got access to the space in October, and has been refurbishing the shop in time for the first workshop, a Day of the Dead celebration on Saturday, November 2.
“It is an independent shop and creative learning space,” explains Fran. “The focus is on local designers and makers. With everything going on at the moment it feels really important to create a positive, fun, happy space where people can come and meet their neighbours, learn new skills and create together.”
The shop is coming together, with units built by nearby Chateaux Projects
BAM has been set up as a community interest company and will reinvest any profits into community projects and organisation, such as the Easton Window Wanderland, which Fran has run for the past two years.
“It’s really about enriching what we’ve got here,” says Fran. “We’ve got such a lovely range of shops and cafes, but nothing like this. I’m just so excited to bring something new to the area.”
Fran highlights that BAM is first and foremost a store selling independent work. Even the furniture (including cabinets on wheels, which can be moved for workshops) is made nearby, by Chateaux Projects on Netham Road.
As well as stocking products from creatives, Fran has also teamed up with Friendly Records in Bedminster, who will curate a small selection of records to sell from the store, bringing a piece of south Bristol to BS5.
Friendly Records in an independent record shop on North Street
Workshops already lined up include a wreath-making class, as well as child-friendly sessions, which Fran hopes to run on Saturdays and after school finishes.
Summing up BAM Store + Space, Fran says: “I mean like a lot of people said to me, oh my God we really need that. There’s so much to feel down about at the moment, I really wanted to make like a sort of positive, like fun space where people can come and meet others.”
Main photo by Fran Harkness
Find BAM Store + Space at 104-108 Belle Vue Road, Easton, BS5 6BX. Fran hopes to open on Friday, November 1. Find out more at www.bambristol.co.uk
Read more: Good Store Studio to re-open on Old Market
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