Artists’ shop seeks space to blossom

After three-and-ahalf years in their Wellgate shop, Dundee Design Project is hungry for more space.

The community interest company was founded by Fiona Peel to promote the work of local artists, makers and writers.

An artist of more than 40 years herself, Fiona set up Dundee Design Project as she could not find anywhere in the city for artists to sell their work.

Since 2018 she has brought more than 60 artists on board and now also sells craft materials in the shop.

Fiona said: “We’ve got writers, knitters, jewellery upcyclers, painters, vintage and retro clothing sellers – we’ve got all sorts.

“All the arts and craft materials in the shop have either been donated to us or salvaged.”

Dundee Design Project also upcycles smaller items of furniture and works with local charity shops to receive donations.

With parents who grew up during the war, Fiona has always taken care not to waste anything. Through her brand Maggs Magic she makes anything from notebook covers out of ties to necklaces from Lego.

“My mother was born and brought up in Dundee, but after the Second World War she worked for a big couture house in London,” said Fiona.

“I’ve been sewing since I was quite small, as well as crocheting and knitting.

“Upcycling is something

I’ve always done. It was passed down to my generation.”

In addition to running the Wellgate shop Tuesday to Saturday, Fiona also runs workshops and groups.

A small community has started to build around her knit and natter group, as well as her sewing surgery.

As the workshops do not

receive any funding, she charges a small fee that includes the use of the space, a cuppa and a biscuit.

To help run the shop, she has two volunteers and occasionally students.

Her next goal is to find a larger space for Dundee Design Project and its workshops.

Fiona said: “I want to

keep it going and make it bigger and better.

“I would like to have more space so we can do things like upcycling of small pieces of furniture and hold workshops in the shop, as opposed to tucked away at the back.

“Then more people might see what we’re doing, and we’ll get more people coming in to try it.”

ONWARD AND UPWARD: Nicola Brewer and Fiona Peel. Picture by Mhairi Edwards.