Bablake's Tuck Shop Returns!

You would be tempted to think that, over the last three days, Head of Art Mr Paul Cleaver had launched a campaign to bring back the famous Bablake Tuck Shop, a tradition only those of a certain age will now remember!

His plan, if the evidence of the photograph accompanying this article is reliable, seems to have worked! The only snag though is that every item is made of felt, sewn and branded by the deft hands of our 2nd and 3rd year pupils, before being packed full of wadding rather than the contents usually expected with the products!

This super work is all down to the inspiration of Lucy Sparrow (@sewyoursoul), who has spent three days of Bablake's 'Reading Week' leading workshops based around the wonderful 4000 item 'Cornershop'- an 8-month long project she unveiled to the public in Bethnal Green, East London in August 2014. The 'Cornershop', constructed to remind communities of the gradual demise of the family-run local grocery store, was made entirely out of felt and deservedly caught the immediate attention of the media. (For a Guardian report on the project, please click here.)

A Bablake parent expressed her gratitude to Lucy Sparrow, saying: 'I've heard so much enthusiasm for this project, not just from my own son who had the best time in his workshop, but from others that have been talking about it. It was really inspiring, so thank you for coming to do the workshops! Well done also to Mr Cleaver for putting it together- it was a brilliant experience for them all!'

Mr Cleaver commented: 'All the pupils were captivated by the creativity and energy of the artist to create a number of consumer goods in fabric. The work will be on display in the Dining Hall for two weeks from 16th November.'

We wish Lucy Sparrow- who in her own words has been 'knitting lives back together since 1986'- all the best for her future projects and thank her once more for being an excellent 'fabric sculptor in residence' over the last few days.

(Photograph by Head of Art Mr Paul Cleaver.)