MerseyMade
Vicky Andrews
Housing artists studios, a retail space and cafe, MerseyMade is a unique creative hub in the heart of Liverpool which aims to highlight the region’s talent and support its flourishing art scene.
Vicky Gawith, director and founder of MerseyMade, launched the multi-purpose venue to help build and support local communities, celebrate unique talents and bring people together to share their visions (often around coffee and cake). Vicky felt that although Liverpool had a great range of shops in the city centre, there wasn’t much support for local makers to reach the high street.
MerseyMade is ‘Shop Local’ in motion, providing a unique retail space where people can come and buy a huge range of bespoke items, all handmade by local talent. Creatives and artists can showcase and sell their work locally and with as little barriers as possible.
The mezzanine area of MerseyMade houses 10 open studios and is the real creative hub of the organisation, featuring artists such as Jessica Slack, an abstract artist from the Wirral. Visitors have the chance to meet the makers and see them at work in their studios or make their own creation at special events and workshops.
From jewellery to gin, art works, cards and clothing, the ground floor shop has every type of gift you could possibly imagine, for any family member or any occasion. There’s something for everyone including Toxteth Chocolate, handmade fudge, local jam, scented candles and everything else in between. Liverpool Gin led the way for the local ginaissance and now gin is the in thing. In the MerseyMade shop you’ll find bottled gin from the likes of Turncoat Gin, Anfield Gin, Albert Dock Gin and Three Graces Gin. Yep, Liverpool REALLY likes its gin.
Vicky also wanted to create a space for people to come together and exchange ideas; the Gordon Smith Café offers a relaxing space to unwind or catch up with friends. From breakfast, soup and scones to a big bowl of authentic scouse, the menu is packed with locally-sourced comfort food, including plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
The name of the cafe is a nod to the original 19th century building that housed The Gordon Smith Institute for Seamen, providing support and assistance to the seafarers of Liverpool. MerseyMade continues to make waves in Liverpool and definitely deserves a visit when you’re in port.
