Sam Wilson Studio

Tucked away in the Cotswolds, designer Sam Wilson has lled her picturesque shop with a carefully curated mix of her own prints, textiles and stationery, nds Sophie Hannam

It took a move to the Cotswolds for Sam Wilson’s retail business to take off. As an illustrator, she worked commercially for publishers and retailers before moving to the country with her family and running a studio selling her designs wholesale. On the lookout for more storage space, Sam spotted a run-down premises in Chipping Campden. It was full of potential and she instantly knew it was the right place for her…

What made you open a shop?

We didn’t actually plan to have a shop: we were selling our products wholesale and needed more space, especially a big stockroom. I didn’t like the idea of working on a big industrial estate so I said to my husband we should take the big old post office on the High Street instead.

What was your aesthetic for the shop’s interior?

The building dates from 1680, with double-fronted bay windows. It was very charming but quite dilapidated

inside with nylon carpet tiles glued to the floorboards. I found old photographs from the local history society that showed it was a general hardware store in the early 1900s. I wanted it to feel like that, reflecting the building’s heritage and the Arts and Crafts movement which has strong connections in the town.

What will we find?

Apart from my own collection, which is mainly textiles, we source beautiful wooden chopping boards, glass and hardware bits and pieces. It’s all quite old-fashioned, organic and rustic. Nothing is too modern. Also, rather than use off-the-shelf retail props for display, I tend to go to antiques fairs and pick up old tables and shelves. We also have a lovely 19th-century easel – I’ve had so many offers but I can’t bring myself to part with it!

Sam Wilson Studio, Elsley House, High Street, Chipping Campden, GL55 6HA. 01386 841116; samwilsonstudio.com