TRADER PROFILE-THE ARK VINTAGE
We’ve been finding out a bit more about some of your favourite traders and chatting to them about their businesses, inspirations and influences. This month, we caught up with Adrian and Lou, owners of The Ark.
Hi Adrian and Lou!
Tell us a bit about your business – what compelled you to become traders of vintage nostalgia?
Growing up in the 1960s gave us both a real passion for anything retro. We love the innovative style, use of bright colours and bold advertising, marrying old pieces with new to create stylish spaces. We also love the memories that this era has given us, especially holidays by the sea with proms full of billowing deckchairs and brightly painted beach huts. We were collecting interesting bits for ourselves and enjoyed it so much we decided to start The Ark – we wanted to fill it full of nostalgic items to evoke memories.
It’s fantastic to see people’s reactions when they visit our stall and spot something that they grew up with. It’s why we don’t sell on line… we want everyone to come and see us and have a little trip down memory lane…
Tell us about your favourite pieces to collect – what do people love to buy from you?
Our favourite things to collect are our fab 1950’s and 60’s kitchen cupboards. They’re a real talking point and were definitely a part of many people’s lives. They are all a bit different, colours, styles; we have great fun finding them and giving them a new lease of life. They have ended up going to new homes all over the country. We live by the sea now and they can also be found in many of the beach huts on the seafront in Lyme Regis!
We also have a amazing collection of original Ladybird Books which remind us and many of our customers of their school days.
Why did you choose to come and trade at the Frome Independent?
We were absolutely thrilled to be given the chance to have a stall at The Frome Independent. The first time we visited we just knew that we wanted to be a part of it and that it would be a perfect venue for The Ark. It’s such a great event and the atmosphere is fantastic. There’s so much going on throughout the day and every month is different.
What is your favourite stall to visit at The Frome Independent?
There is a fantastic array of stalls at the Flea and it’s a great place to be on a Sunday morning. When we arrive early in the morning it’s so quiet you can hardly imagine that in a few hours it will become a bustling high street full of wonderful stalls. It really is difficult to pinpoint a favourite.. we could spend the whole day shopping!! Although to be honest trying to get back to the Flea past
