THE diversity of Barnard Castle’s largely independent high street expanded last week with the opening of a unique new pebble art and gift shop.
Loved by Bridget opened its doors on Saturday, May 8, offering a veritable treasure trove of gift ideas formen and women. Enthusiastic owner Lisa Clayton said: “We do a full range gifts for women. We have scarves, handbags, jewellery and Scottish soaps and bath bombs. We also stock men’s gifts.”
The shelves include some of the owner’s own pebble art as well as animal ornaments and other items by popular designer Meg Hawkins.
Men’s gifts include collectible models of classic vehicles, wallets and a range of golf related times, among others.
Ms Clayton said: “We also sell a range of classic games.”
The artist said she prides herself on selling quality items at affordable prices.
As a businesswoman she drew on her retail experience gained through managing a handbag shop in Bishop Auckland and working for Ralph Lauren in Florida, USA, and Fatface, in Scotland, when deciding to open her own shop, which grew from her love for making pebble art. Having started by selling her craft to family and friends, she soon graduated to having stalls at craft fairs at Raby Castle and Durham.
Last summer she took the huge step of opening her first Loved by Bridget store in Scotland during a period when lockdown restrictions were eased.
She said: “I thought it is now or never – it was time to do it or forget about it. I have never looked back.”
Of choosing Barnard Castle as the site for her second shop. she said: “My nana’s relatives had Dunn’s Carpet Factory. She and her three sisters are originally from this area so I feel a connection.
“The town is full of different, quirky shops
“I think people like that and there are always people around.”
As for the name of the shop, Ms Clayton confided that it is a nod to the many years that she lived a Bridget Jones’ Diary-type lifestyle.
Tel: 07845 539383. Facebook: fb.me/lovedbybridget. Instagram: lovedbybridget. Web: www.lovedbybridget.com
