SHOP OF THE MONTH Discover The Edition 94, an eclectic homewares emporium in London’s South Kensington
India Whalley’s eclectic emporium in South Kensington, London, stocks an ever-changing collection of carefully curated vintage and artistic treasures eager be discovered
TELL US YOUR INSPIRATION FOR OPENING A BRICKS AND MORTAR SHOP…
I started working as an interior designer in 2013 and set up my gallery, The Dot Project, in 2015 to identify and showcase emerging global contemporary artists. I’d been running the gallery from London’s Fulham Road for almost four years when I began actively thinking of ideas to bring more people into the space – galleries are notoriously quiet! One day I placed some Murano glassware in the window on a bookshelf, and the pieces quickly became popular, with numerous people coming in to enquire about buying them after spotting them from the street. If I had to pinpoint the moment The Edition 94 came to life, this would be it. I realised it would be so exciting to combine inspiring artworks with the special pieces I love sourcing, and that first window offered a glimpse into what would soon become the world of The Edition 94.
WHAT’S THE ETHOS BEHIND THE EDITION 94?
It’s all about continuing the story and life of vintage and antique pieces, helping them to truly stand the test of time. Sourcing these items is my favourite part of the job. They have an emotional value as well as an historical one, and to be able to see where they go after they leave the shop is really rewarding. We make sure to change the stock in the store as much as possible, meaning that we don’t buy huge amounts of one style or product, to ensure our customers are always inspired when they come in and feel as though they’re getting something different.
WHICH ASPECT OF BEING AN INDEPENDENT SHOPKEEPER DO YOU LIKE THE MOST?
Getting up in the early hours of the morning, often when it’s still dark outside, and making it to vintage and flower markets by 5am allows me to experience different sides of London. I love that. It’s also resulted in lots of memorable encounters with people I wouldn’t otherwise have crossed paths with.
To find out more about The Edition 94, visit theedition94.com