A COLLABORATION between two town entrepreneurs and an antiques expert has resulted in the launch of a new venture.
Tim and Angela Baitson have unveiled The Olde Barnard Castle Curiosity Shop, on The Bank, based in what was home to David Harper’s antiques and art.
The Baitsons will continue to stock Mr Harper’s work alongside a range of gifts, curios, children’s games, toys and jewellery.
Mrs Baitson said it was an arrangement that suited all three.
“Tim has done a lot of work for David – printing his book A Romp with the Georgians, and his flyers.
“When David reopened the shop after lockdown, he found he was getting busier with other stuff.
“In the meantime, Tim was selling his own art and prints online via Etsy.
“Over a period of a few months we had several conversations and eventually we thought why don’t we combine efforts?”
In addition to the shop, the couple will continue to run their printing business Print Display and the online Etsy venture, Victoria Press.
“Tim has run a shop before, but this is a first for me,” added Mrs Baitson, who trained as a book-keeper during lockdown.
They hope the opening of their shop, along with Michelle Grancourt’s Hand Crafter’s Hub further down The Bank, will attract more people to the area.
Mrs Baitson said they had thought long and hard about opening a new shop with the country still subject to Covid-19 restrictions.
“Everything we have ever done, we think should we or shouldn’t we?”
Mr Baitson added: “You have just got to try things, be brave and give it your best shot.”
Mrs Baitson said initial reaction had been positive.
“We have had some very good feedback,” she said.
Mr Baitson added: “We have received good support from other traders in the town. Everybody wants to see the independents do well.”
The Olde Barnard Castle Curiosity Shop is open 10.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on weekends.
