Wednesday 20 March 2013

Deborah Tyler-Bennett and the Nottingham Festival of Words


Poem: Homage to Walker’s Workers

Debbie Bryan studio & Shop was thrilled to host a poetry reading by local poet Deborah Tyler-Bennett, whom was also a writer-in-residence for the Nottingham Festival of words. If you were unable to attend this evening, you can find a video here

Here is what Deborah had to say about her experience of the festival;

I really enjoyed being Writer in Residence at Nottingham’s first Festival of Words.

Over the festival weekend I got to read at Debbie Bryan’s wonderful shop, conduct workshops and drop-in sessions for writers at the Newton Building, and work on poems I’d been writing based-on images and ideas from Nottingham Trent’s Lace Archive, run by the incredibly encouraging Amanda Briggs-Goode and team.

I’d already written two poems for the festival, one ‘Love and Lace’ and a short poem ‘Nottingham Shuttle’ for the festival postcard. To both I’d added words and phrases gleaned from the archive, and these also appear in poems below. The ‘beleaguered city’ in the last poem, was inspired by a ghost story by the nineteenth-century Scottish writer, Margaret Oliphant.

You’ll be able to read more about Deborah’s experience of the Nottingham Festival of Words in a later blog post, but for now we’re proud to present Deborah’s poem “Homage to Walker’s Workers”.

It passed through calloused hands, delicacy free-
falling. Embroidered wool, mosaic in imitation lily,
wide-mouthed peony, moss, beaded-vermicelli’s
lugworm casts.

Sometimes, its handling a kind of love,
knowing shining-girls never saw the graphite,
pre-bleached state an intimacy between lace
and handler.

Next seen on magazine or mannequin,
all graft rinsed-out, this just the way of it …

Come that photograph, workers’ stolid forms
knee-to-dimpled-knee, scrubbed, smiling,
women with pinned-back bobs,
male sea of moustaches, brilliantine.
Most ladies featuring Mum’s Auntie Doris,
nod to fashion in court-heeled shoes,
but all in flowered pinnies,
un art-moderne as brick walls …
and not a bit of lace in sight.

We were even lucky enough to hear about what inspired Deborah to write such a beautiful poem;

The Walker’s Workers poem came from an image in a photograph of 1932, and the contrast between the pinnies and plain-dress of the workers, and those gowns constructed from their lace and modelled by elegant women really struck-home.”

We hope that you thoroughly enjoyed your experience of the Nottingham Festival of words, and Deborah’s stunning reading at Debbie Bryan Studio & Shop.

Our next blog post will feature Deborah’s poem “Clocking-in

Monday 4 March 2013

Poetry Readings for the Nottingham Festival of Words at Debbie Bryan Studio & Shop


When the evening finally arrived for one of Debbie Bryan’s much anticipated contributions to the Nottingham Festival of Words, those whom attended were not disappointed.

Tea and cakes were served from fine china, with a dash of whisky, and guests were free to explore Debbie’s creative space and the many stunning pieces of art, craft and design at the shop.

When the hour came for Nottingham poet Deborah Tyler-Bennett for recite “Love and Lace”, appropriately positioned in front of original draughtsman’s lace drawings, the audience were in for a treat. The theme of lace and Nottingham is one shared by Debbie Bryan Studio & Shop, as traditional British making techniques have been part of the inspiration of Debbie Bryan’s work.

Deborah Tyler-Bennett was followed by Alison Knox who gave a beautiful poetry reading. This special event which celebrated words and creativity was a great success. New creative friendships have lead to the introduction of no- to-be-missed Poetry Tea Parties at Debbie Bryan Studio & Shop. There is even the talk of the shop having our own Poet-in-Residence! Look out for out forthcoming summer date.

If you’d like to look back at the evening, or if you were unable to attend on the night, you can see what you missed in the video below:



Deborah is typing up her poems, which she created as writer-in-residence for the Nottingham Festival of Words. Date of completion to be confirmed. 

Wednesday 27 February 2013

More than a gift – a golden ticket!


Mother’s Day is 10th March, and what better gift is there to give than the gift of an experience. This year, show your mother how much she means to you by gifting her a place one Debbie Bryan's fantastic workshops!


All of the wonderful workshops are lead by a specialist designers, include all of your materials as well as the shop's famous tea and cakes! Our workshops have always been best sellers, and our crafters & designers keep coming back for more. Here are what some past guests have said about our workshops;


Unintimidating, it’s good fun, and you come away with some good things.” – Sue


A great way of trying something different and giving you ideas, but it’s also some time out to focus on it and relax and enjoy it really.” - Eddie


It gave me an inspiration for my wedding.” – Kirsty


Come and have a go, even if you feel like you’re not creative you’ll get something out of it. It’s a fun day out with teas and cakes; Debbie’s famous teas and cakes.” – Claire


A workshop could be the perfect excuse to spend some quality time with your mum and have a lovely day out. Or maybe she’d prefer a guest ticket for a friend of her choice? But even if going to a workshop alone she’s sure to feel welcome, meet like-minded people and have a lovely day.


Workshop on Mother's Day Weekend:



Workshops post-Mother’s Day:



For more information about upcoming workshops, visit our website: http://www.debbiebryan.co.uk/Workshops


Stop by our Lace Market shop to purchase a place on one of our exciting workshops, our browse for the perfect Mother’s Day gift. You can also call us, we’re always happy to help!


Debbie Bryan Studio & Shop –
18 St Mary's Gate,
The Lace Market,
Creative Quarter,
The Lace Market Nottingham,
NG1 1PF


Telephone: 0115 9507776


We’re open Monday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm.

Thursday 21 February 2013

Special gifts for Mother’s Day

A list of the “Worst Mother’s Day gifts of all time” included building equipment, car parts and household appliances! This year, be sure to treat your mother to a gift that she wants, not a gift that she needs.

Mother’s Day is about a day off from routine, putting her feet up, being pampered, and opening those extra special presents which have been made with love and purchased with care and consideration.

At Debbie Bryan Studio & Shop, you’ll find art, craft and design pieces which have been specially made by many talented local artists, as well as exquisite collections by award winning designer Debbie Bryan herself.

Our top three Mother’s Day gift ideas:

1. Debbie Bryan Scarves.
These truly beautiful scarves have each been made from the finest yarns and finished to a degree of excellence. Debbie's scarves are wonderfully soft and warming, as well as being a distinctive and unique accessory, sure to evoke “scarf-envy” amongst her friends, available in a range of stunning colours, each sure to add a twist to your Mother’s Day.


2. Debbie Bryan brooches.
Each of our hand cast resin brooches are completely unique and one-of-a-kind, so there’s no fear of you buying the same gift as your sister this year! These beautiful nostalgic brooches have encapsulated recycled and pre-loved materials, such a vintage photographs, old time pieces, Nottingham lace and heritage coins, and are encased in resin using a specialist casting technique.


3. Original draughtsmen’s lace drawings.
The great heritage of Nottingham’s historic Lace Market has been framed and adored by many who walk through Debbie Bryan’s shop. These truly special original lace drawings are part of a British textile and industry legacy. The vintage drawings capture a bygone era and will make a beautiful piece for anyone’s home.




Mother’s Day is Sunday 10th March, so show your mother that you really care and get her an extra special gift from Debbie Bryan Studio & Shop.

Debbie Bryan Studio & Shop –
18 St Mary's Gate,
The Lace Market,
Creative Quarter,
The Lace Market Nottingham,
NG1 1PF

Telephone: 0115 9507776

We’re open Monday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm.

Saturday 16 February 2013

Special event with Artist and Poet Alison Knox


We enjoyed hearing Alison Knox read “I Let My Love Fly Free” before Christmas when Debbie Bryan Studio & Shop was part of a Flash Mob event in different venues in and around Nottingham. We are now delighted to announce that she is returning for a second reading!

Alison will be in our shop on 17th February, which is open from 12pm – 3pm. To get you in the mood for this Sunday, have a look at the last reading Miss Knox gave in our Lace Market shop; http://youtu.be/NdxzAiqC_9M.

Debbie Bryan Studio & Shop is part of the Nottingham Festival of Words and in addition to supporting local poets, Debbie Bryan, in collaboration with the Leicester Print workshop, is exhibiting Narrative 2013 until 7th April. This exhibition is a collection of stunning prints inspired by the themes of Love, Lace and Letters.



We hope you enjoy sharing an experience of great passion this Sunday 17th with Alison Knox, and look forward to seeing you throughout the Nottingham Festival of Words.

Debbie Bryan Studio & Shop –
18 St Mary's Gate,
The Lace Market,
Creative Quarter,
The Lace Market Nottingham,
NG1 1PF

Telephone:  0115 9507776

We’re open Monday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm.
Sunday 17th open 12- 3pm

Thursday 14 February 2013

A date for your diary


For the weekend of 16th and 17th February, there will be a cabinet showcase in the foyer of the Newton building (which you can find here: http://www.ntu.ac.uk/nls/visit_us/our_location/index.html), displaying contemporary craft, design and artwork around the theme of Narrative, Love and Lace, curated by Debbie Bryan.



To launch the showcase, on 16th February between 10am – 10:45am in lecture theatre 6, Debbie Bryan will be giving a short talk, introducing the beautiful collections which have been created especially for The Nottingham Festival of Words. There will also be a special talk from award winning environmental paper artist Hannah Lobley of Paperworks and Printmaker Peter Clayton of the Leicester Print Workshop.



Collections from Hannah Lobley, Peter Clayton, Phoina Richards, Penelope Ruth, Jodie Patterson, Debbie Bryan, Emma Kate, Corrina Rothwell, Sally Hill, Sat Kalsi, and collaborative work by Manon de Moor, Penelope Ruth and Festival of Words artist in residence Sue Bulmer will be for sale at our Lace Market shop from 6th February.

A spin-off showcase of Sally Hill, Sat Kalsi and Peter Clayton's work will be on display in the Debbie Bryan Heritage Cabinets at Nottingham Castle, as part of the Narrative Exhibition.



On this same Saturday, 16th February, there will be two Altered Books Workshops, hosted by Debbie Bryan’s Design Room, from 10am-1pm and/or 2pm-5pm. This workshop has been inspired by the Nottingham Festival of Words and will be lead by Manon de Moor who will be demonstrating how to make a personal journal, travel-book or diary out of an old hardback book. Moor will also be giving an introduction on how to create a poem or text based on the Festivals 'Love, Lace and Letters' theme.

The Altered Books Workshop costs £30 per guest and can be purchased in store on by telephone. Gift cards can also be purchased as an excellent gift for a friend.



We hope that the events of the 16th give you something to write about in your altered journal!

Debbie Bryan Studio & Shop –
18 St Mary's Gate,
The Lace Market,
Creative Quarter,
The Lace Market Nottingham,
NG1 1PF

Telephone: 0115 9507776

We’re open Monday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm.
With special late night on Friday 15th until 7pm 
Sunday 17th open 12- 3pm

Tuesday 12 February 2013

Exciting events on 15th February


Between the hours of 5pm and 7pm, there is a lot to be excited about with Debbie Bryan Studio & Shop!

Along with textile designer Lucy Renshaw, Debbie Bryan will be hosting a delightful pop up tea room. During the evening, the highly talented Lucy Renshaw will be making her signature lamps, as well as signing copies of her brilliant Textile Handbook, a step by step guide to up-cycling, re-cycling and re-crafting. So if you’d like to talk to Lucy and get a copy of her fantastic book, be sure to visit Debbie Bryan’s Lace Market shop that evening.

If you’d like to see more of Lucy, she’ll be leading a lampshade workshop with Debbie Bryan’s Design Room in May, more details here.


In addition to the fabulous Lucy Renshaw on 15th February, Festival of Words poet Deborah Tyler-Bennett will be in our shop giving some unmissable poetry readings. For more information about what to expect from Deborah on this exciting evening, please see our previous blog post, or better yet, a video of a previous reading that Deborah gave at our shop; http://youtu.be/zK_A6gvGRho

Debbie Bryan Studio & Shop is part of the Nottingham Festival of Words and will launching a cabinet showcase in the foyer of the Newton building 16th February. From 10am – 10:45am in lecture theatre 6, Debbie Bryan will be giving a short talk, introducing the collections, following which there will be talks from award winning environmental paper artist Hannah Lobley of Paperworks and Printmaker Peter Clayton of the Leicester Print Workshop.

We hope that you will be enjoying us for this busy weekend of words!


Debbie Bryan Studio & Shop –
18 St Mary's Gate,
The Lace Market,
Creative Quarter,
The Lace Market Nottingham,
NG1 1PF

Telephone: 0115 9507776

We’re open Monday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm.
With special late night on Friday 15th till 7pm
Sunday 17th open 12- 3pm