An interview with Shoal Seaside Living

Seaside themed products on display in the shop

Early on in my project I decided that it would be really useful to do some research about seaside products and product design. I approached the owners of a relatively new shop to Albert Road in Southsea called Shoal Seaside Living. 

Anna and Michelle Martin opened the shop earlier last year and kindly agreed to help me with my project. Their shop is a welcome and quirky addition to an eclectic mix of shops established along Albert Road. 

As you enter the shop you feel embraced in little treasure trove of all things relating to seaside living which are quintessentially British. The products are well thought out and beautifully displayed on unique items of furniture that have been painted by Michelle.

I talked to Anna about the inspiration for the shop and she explained that it all started when she bought a couple of mugs made by The English Seaside Company from a lovely little shop in Anglesey. Michelle and Anna decided that together they wanted to create their own shop using totally British made products that were all about the coast.

The shop offers a range of products from home-wares to jewellery, personalised art, cards and children's products. Many of the items are in a very affordable price range and it's obvious that quality is a high on their list of priorities when selecting products to sell. 

Anna explained how important it was them both that they supported British design. She explained how it's often more difficult to find British made products and how it's much easier to get seaside products from big companies where the goods are often made abroad. They are both really proud of their 'British made' ethos and also support and sell the work of many local artists in the area including Colin Baxter Alan Smith and Peter Levy. Other products are made by artists such as Poppy Treffry, Caroline Tucker and The English Seaside Company.

The product research was really helpful to my 'Great British Seaside' project and gave me an insight into successful illustrative coastal designs. I would like to thank both Anna and Michelle for their help with my project so far. The only problem is, it's hard to go into their shop and not be tempted to buy something!

If you would like to find out more about the products they sell, then you can contact them at:

http://shoalseasideliving.com/