The Cornershop by Lucy Sparrow

In today's news of my dreams, artist Lucy Sparrow has converted an abandoned corner shop in east London into an art installation completely stocked with handmade felt everything. It's open to the public from now until the end of the month. I so wish that I could be there to see it in person! I read about this installation on a few other sites but felt like I had to post about here too because FELT (*raises glitter-covered spirit fingers).

Sparrow is dealing with larger themes than omg cute felt, obviously, like asking people to think about the politics of consumption and the disappearing cornershops in London. We are dealing with the same issue in America, only we call them "mom and pop" shops. I think I've actually posted about this issue before...buying with intention, thinking about the businesses you support and why, and knowing where goods come from. (It's also possible that I wrote that post in my brain and never published it.)

The shop will also serve as a means to foster community building; Sparrow will host workshops and live sewing events too.

I know there are lots of people who make felt food and candies--that's nothing new--and there are also lots of artists who've broached the subject of a disappearing high street and consumerism, but I don't think an artist's work has to be completely groundbreaking to affect people, make them think, make them laugh, bring a bit of joy into their lives, or inspire change. And isn't that the point?

I really really wish I could walk into the shop, touch everything, and then probably buy a felt candy from the felt cash register. But the next best thing to being there in person is to order a felt item from the shop online. I feel so much nostalgia looking at pics of the felt digestive biscuits and Hobnobs, which sadly have both sold out.

If you are lucky enough to be in London during the month of August, head over to 19 Wellington Row,  London E2 7BB and let me know what it's like! :)

(via Colossal)