It’s been a little while since I shared a Stockist Spotlight, and as flock ONLINE is fast approaching now seemed a great time to feature craft retail space FOLD at the Barn, who are the hosts of flock. For the past several years flock as been a highlight of my Winter events being held in the beautiful Barn Arts Centre in Banchory and showcasing the best of Scottish contemporary craft. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with other makers and meet customers who follow our work online. And let’s not forget the soup which is generously handed out by the Barn team at lunchtime!
This year, like so many events, flock is going ONLINE! I know I’ll definitely miss the buzz of the live event but there is so much to be excited about for their online version. For starters, you can shop the market from wherever you are in the UK, and secondly each maker has a selection of products for sale that are either limited or specially created for the event, meaning here is your chance to pick up something really rare and special.
The event launches at 9am on Friday 27th Nov and runs til 10pm on Sunday 29th, with talks and online workshops running alongside. flock ONLINE market will be hosted on the Barn’s website, where you can also purchase workshop tickets and link through to maker’s websites.
Now, let’s meet Maria who is the Craft and Retail Manager at FOLD
Tell us about FOLD – what’s the story behind the shop?
FOLD opened in June 2019 presenting a consciously curated collection of both emerging and established designer/makers working both locally and nationally. FOLD was set up to provide a contemporary platform in Aberdeenshire for Makers and is an important addition to the Barn offering a focus on craft, design and making.
We work with professional contemporary makers who produce high quality and innovative goods designed and made locally and nationally – preferably reflecting, celebrating, being inspired by materials sourced from, our unique location. We also like to champion Makers who work in a sustainably conscious way.
What can customers expect to find in FOLD?
We represent many craft disciplines such as weaving, jewellery, basketry, ceramics, textiles, paper, leatherwork, knitwear, feltwork, woodwork, glass, print, illustration and design.
What’s the best thing about being the shop manager for FOLD?
Having conversations with visitors and Makers about their creative process or sharing appreciation for the fabulous creative talent we have on our doorstep. I also love seeing new stock come into the store!!
Tell us a funny story or memorable moment from shop life
Stepping back into the store after having been closed for 4 months was a joyeous occasion. It reminded me how beautiful the surrounding area to the barn is and how well our establishment sits within that context.
The shop is in the Banchory in Aberdeenshire – describe a perfect afternoon visit to FOLD / the Barn and your top tips for visiting the area
There’s always things going on at the barn whether cinema, workshops, weddings or exhibitions not to mention Buchanan’s Bistro! We also host the annual flock event in November which is a fabulous for meeting, experiencing and celebrating Scottish Contemporary Craft. There is also a wild garden and allotments to the rear of the barn, providing a place to just relax and enjoy nature.
Do you have a favourite scarf of ours? Why did you pick this one?
I wish I could pick one but I can’t because I LOVE them all!
Any news or plans to share? – Can be a small thing, think we need to celebrate the small wins during this testing time!
Our popular contemporary craft fair is returning this year via a brand new and exciting digital platform, flock ONLINE 2020. The event takes place Friday 27 November – Sunday 29 November. Starting Monday 23 November the event will begin with online workshops and events.