Concrete Wardrobe is a unique retail space on Edinburgh's Broughton Street. Stocking work from over 200 Scottish-based or Scottish-trained designer makers, from disciplines as diverse as silk screen printing, weaving, ceramics, knitting, fashion design, jewellery, lighting design, glass and printmaking.
Co-owned by Fiona McIntosh and James Donald, Concrete Wardrobe is dedicated to promoting affordable, high quality work from Scottish-based or Scottish-trained designer makers. Work is manufactured and supplied as one-off pieces or as small batch production ranges, many of which are exclusive to Concrete Wardrobe. The staff also have process knowledge, an understanding of the products within the space, extensive practical skills and all supply the space with their own products.
Maker of the Month – June Kitty & Dude
The kitsch inspired ceramic pieces of Cosima Sempill’s giftware company, Kitty & Dude, will be on display at Concrete Wardrobe for June’s Maker of the Month exhibition.
Kitty & Dude produce quirky and unique ceramic pieces with a tongue in cheek appeal. Objects are decorated with floral block-print, bird motifs or sections of traditional ceramic print. Plaques and plates are emblazoned with kitsch gold leaf, stripes, florals and unexpected slogans, at times physically cut-out of the ceramic.
Sempill’s design aesthetic combines her personal interpretation of childhood pursuits with 1950’s pop art and culture. Her work seeks to ignite feelings of nostalgic familiarity and sentimentality in the viewer. She enjoys combining contrasting ideas and focusing on designs that delight both the intellectual and aesthetic senses: 'I want to communicate with my consumer on several levels so that they enjoy the product aesthetically and also get a kick out of the design.'
Sempill spends hours scouring junk and charity shops for exciting vessels with interesting surface patterns, or things with a particularly kitsch feel. As her second hand collections grow, so does her inspiration. She is fascinated by birds and their constant movement, which creates a pattern of its own.
Fiona McIntosh, co-owner of Concrete Wardrobe commented, 'Sempill’s work has already attracted a cult following at Concrete Wardrobe . . . our customers will be able to immerse themselves in the wonderful world of Kitty & Dude. I can’t wait to see what she delights us with.'
Kitty & Dude will be exhibiting at Concrete Wardrobe from 1st–30th June 2010.
Concrete Wardrobe is open everyday from 10.00am–6.00pm. Sundays from 12.00pm–4.00pm.
Concrete Wardrobe 50A Broughton Street Edinburgh, EH1 3SA Tel: 0131 558 7130
