A FORMER Exmoor National Park Information Centre is being converted to a retail shop which will help up to 60 local independent small makers, crafters, and artists.
Retired secondary school business manager Ed Martin is to open the shop in Dulverton later this month.
Mr Martin, who lives in Kilve with his wife Trish and 18-year-old daughter Mollie, has taken over the empty information centre in the building which also houses the town’s public library, in High Street.
He is offering concessions for Somerset and Devon crafters, makers, and artists to show off their skills and products to the thousands of people who visit Dulverton each year.
Exmoor National Park Authority caused controversy in 2023 when it announced it was relocating the information centre to its Exmoor House headquarters in a cost saving move.
The 550 sq ft retail space was then marketed by Webbers estate agents.
Mr Martin started making jewellery several years ago, inspired by Mollie, who took it up while she was still in primary school.
He used to help his daughter with events and markets she wanted to attend, which made him think about what he could make himself and he started with cufflinks, which he still sells online.
It led to the start of his business Mollie’s Makings, which will open on May 23 and already has space in shops in Taunton, Exeter, and Wells, as well as supplying Stripples, at Coates English Willow, on the Somerset Levels.
Mr Martin progressed to helping Mollie make a range of jewellery using semi-precious stones and found the process relaxing and a welcome change from his school day job.
He said: “We now make a range of sterling silver jewellery using semi-precious stones, and our absolute favourite Murano glass jewellery.
“We import the Murano glass from Venice, and combine with sterling silver to create beautiful contemporary pieces.”
Now, Mr Martin is opening his own shop and at the same time providing local makers, crafters, and artists with an outlet to develop their own small businesses.
He said: “The shop will be a showpiece for local crafters, makers, and artists to show off their fantastic skills and products.
“The shop itself is full of character, with a fireplace, beautiful deep window cills, and even a dry stone wall.
“If you are a maker you will not necessarily be restricted to fitting your products onto a standard sized shelf.
“So far I have only approached those makers I already know, so this is my first time of going public.”
Among the items so far which will be featured in the new shop are those from jewellers, wood turners, potters, artists, willow workers, upholsterers, candle makers, embroiders, resin artists, soap makers, and leather workers.
Mr Martin said: “The shop is filling fast, but I do have some spaces still available.
“I am incredibly excited to be opening in this beautiful, bustling community.”
Anybody who wants more information about the shop can email Mr Martin at [email protected].