The Glamorous Owl- a unique, go-to shopping destination

Having earned an enviable reputation and loyal customer base showcasing her handcrafted silver jewellery at local markets across the region; the opportunity to open her own fine art gallery and gift boutique earlier this year was too good to miss for Claire Chapman, founder of The Glamorous Owl...

Fast forward six months later and The Glamorous Owl has become a unique, go-to shopping destination on Newcastle’s bustling High Bridge Street. What was formerly the much-loved Attica vintage store has been transformed into a two-storey artisan gift emporium and fine art gallery which showcases an incredible array of work from over 60 local artists, an ever-expanding collection which means no two visits to The Glamorous Owl will ever be the same thanks to Claire’s vision. “From lampshades for your living room and upcycled drizzle bottles or chopping boards for your kitchen essentials, to luxurious handmade leather iPad cases that can be embossed with your initials, we specialise in the unique and offbeat” explains founder of The Glamorous Owl Claire. “Our stock continuously grows and evolves with the imagination of our artists, so you are never sure what hidden treasures you’ll discover.” It was clear from the moment The Glamorous Owl stepped out of the market stall and onto the cobbles of Newcastle’s Old Cloth Market that Claire would dedicate the space to showcasing a quirky and unique selection of products from fellow traders, keen to celebrate the talent of local artists and makers here in the North East. The Glamorous Owl is not just a homage to the incredible talent we have here in the North East, but a unique space in which you can see Claire at work in her studio at the back of the shop, often making something completely bespoke for a customer or re-sizing a piece to become the perfect fit while they wait. A shopping experience like no other in the North East, the addition of themed monthly events promise to enlighten and inspire even the most inept beginners as guests meet the makers behind the artwork and enjoy the opportunity to learn how to recreate their own under the watchful eye of a professional. Future plans include seasonal shopping evenings to help customers tick off their Christmas shopping to-do list under one roof, private parties in which guests can browse the store’s extensive range of gifts, homewares, jewellery and fine art before heading into the vibrant city centre to enjoy their evening safe in the knowledge that their purchases will be gift wrapped and hand delivered to their door the next day. So whether you’re looking for an unusual gift for a family member, friend, or colleague, or collect quirky home accessories that even the Jones’ won’t have; shopping at The Glamorous Owl provides invaluable support to local artists creating a space in which you feel welcome to potter and browse, and leave feeling pleased you visited. Open from 10.15am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday and Sunday 11am – 3.30pm, The Glamorous Owl is a boutique fine art gallery and gift emporium you’ll be delighted to discover tucked away on the cobbles of High Bridge Street whether on a weekend shopping trip or for a five minute browse during your lunch hour.