A new shop has opened in West Kirby, selling works by local artists, artisans and makers.
MerseyMade on Banks Road is the independent’s first Wirral venture, and its second store since launching in Liverpool city centre in 2019.
With original artworks, ceramics, jewellery, candles, gifts and cards, MerseyMade showcases and sells the work of over 100 of the region’s most talented creatives, with the addition of a further 30 Wirral-based independents signed up as part of the recent expansion.
The West Kirby hub will predominantly focus on the work of Wirral artists, artisans and makers, which will be showcased alongside a collection of beautiful handmade creations from the wider region.
Reflecting its coastal location, it features original artworks capturing familiar local views including West Kirby Marine Lake, Hoylake Beach and Hilbre Island.
Among the local artists whose work can be found at MerseyMade’s Wirral hub is Hoylake-based Beth Sheldrake, who is known for her paintings of the peninsula’s dramatic seascapes.
Visitors can also discover distinctive ceramics inspired by the colours, textures and motion of the seas, which are hand-crafted by Lonn Landis at his Neston home, using locally foraged clay and glazing made from mussel shells from Red Rocks Beach.
MerseyMade Founder Vicky Gawith, who lives in the area with her husband and four children, said: “Bringing the MerseyMade concept to the Wirral has long been an ambition of mine and I am thrilled to have found the perfect location in West Kirby.
“As an independent creative hub, we’re looking forward to enriching the local community and supporting Wirral’s talented artists, artisans and makers, particularly those who tend to work from home or in small studios.
“Our aim is to source original artworks and unique pieces that have been created right here on our doorstep and bring them all together for people to uncover at MerseyMade.
“Opening a second shop in West Kirby allows us to strengthen our connection with Wirral-based creative businesses as we champion their achievements and provide a new setting for their work to be discovered and enjoyed.”
Kara King, Manager of MerseyMade in West Kirby, is also well-known in the local community having set up and run Staacks Art Gallery for over 12 years.
She said: “There’s been lots of excitement about the opening of MerseyMade in West Kirby and the local support has been incredible. Anyone who has visited MerseyMade in Liverpool city centre will be familiar with some of the pieces in the collection at our new West Kirby shop and there is plenty more to discover as we are now working with more Wirral based creatives than ever.
“Our coastal location is very much reflected in the work we have chosen to showcase in West Kirby, which is predominantly centred around Wirral creators and pieces inspired by the local area. I would describe our West Kirby shop as the little sister of MerseyMade’s main hub and I would encourage anyone who enjoys picking up unique gifts and original artworks to pop in to find out what’s in store.”
The shop is open from 10am – 5.30pm from Monday to Saturday and 12 – 4pm on Sundays, and is located at 126 Banks Road.