By Beth Doherty
Twitter:@bethdmedia / @new_valleynews
Instagram: @bethdohertymedia / @newvalleynews
There was a buzz of excitement at Wilton shopping village this afternoon as artisan makers and shop owners prepared for a late-night event celebrating the new name brand ‘Guild Wiltshire’.
With a complete change of name, ideology, and aesthetic, The Guild aims is a destination where you can spend the day browsing independent shops, admiring fine art, and dining at local produce cafés.
The journey to their new vision starts today with a late-night shopping event to celebrate. There will be live music, complimentary fizz at The Archive Gallery, brownies at White Fig, and seasonal menu tasting at Herbs and Wild with plenty of other shops to explore.
I caught up with some of the shop owners to get their thoughts on the rebrand.
“It’s only our third day here but we feel really lucky to be a part of The Guild’s new journey”, said Ela Good from Ladytree.
Ladytree is a mother and daughter business owned by Ela and Hannah Good. When they did a pop-up at Wilton Shopping Village last Christmas they loved the space and decided to take on a permanent shop.
Ela’s Grandma, Kate Good, owns a pottery business in Tisbury, “she made this business possible as we have our workshop in an outhouse at her property,” said Ela.
Ladytree uses ethical silver from the UK that is 100% recycled.
“The stone is ethically sourced and polished in house. During lockdown, my Mum taught herself stone cutting and when restrictions are lifted we will be continuing our workshops and demonstrations in jewellery making and stone cutting.”
Wandering next door to Sofa Smith I meet Mike and Tina Smith who has been in the furniture business for 30 years. Their family business has a factory in Romsey run by their son Charlie.
“Everyone is so lovely; we are excited to be here and it is going really well so far! We are looking forward to tonight’s event and we are sure it will be a great success!” Said Tina.
Up the stairs to Chalke House I meet Jane Peassler-Whatley and Kellie Gentle, who house over 50 artisan traders under their roof.
“The new plans look amazing, I think it will be a really positive change and it will become a place to visit for the day,” says Jane.
Lastly, I visited The Archive, an elegant fine art gallery owned by Rose Currens.
Rose has worked in art in Salisbury for the past 10 years, but this is the first gallery she has owned. With incredible art and gorgeous chesterfield sofas the gallery has a really glamorous feel.
“I am over the moon to be here at the start of something special alongside a group of amazing female makers. The space they are proposing is incredible and I am looking forward to the future,” says Rose.
The Guild is open until 8pm this evening, October 8, for late-night shopping. For more information visit: https://www.theguildwiltshire.co.uk/