Owner of Art Scene, Lorraine Dixon, took over the stationery supplies store just 3 years ago, and she has turned it into a creative space alongside a cake and coffee shop. Lorraine prides herself on owning a store that is good for the soul and spreads some joy within the industry.
Can you give us an introduction to your shop?
Art Scene is a small retail space with big ideas! We are located in the heart of Meersbrook, in Sheffield. When we took the space on 3 years ago it was a little shabby around the edges, and we did a lot of work to ensure people would want to spend time here. We sold a range of art materials, stationery, books and gifts.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the ban on non-essential retail led us to turning the front of our shop into a take-away Italian coffee shop and sold coffee and cake. Once we were allowed to sell stationery again we still continued with the Italian coffee house idea. The combination of selling stationery supplies alongside coffee and cake seemed like a match made in heaven. We nicknamed it ‘the pharmacy for the soul’, as our store became a space where you could get your supplies, sit down and enjoy a coffee and a natter, put the world to rights and spread some joy.
What makes your shop stand out?
We have two walls that we use for exhibiting the work of local artists. The artwork on display is changed every two months so there is always something new and interesting to look at. In the evening we use the coffee shop seating area for workshops and courses with a whole range of different sessions available from creative writing to lino printing.
As the country lurches from one crisis to another we have adapted and recently added a kitchen area where my office used to be so we can now serve hot food and maybe run some arty party nights in the future. It really is a multifunctional space.
What made you get into the stationery industry?
During my career I have worked in many industries. I have worked in sales, had my own restaurants and worked in educational consultancy. I was ready for a new challenge. Buying into a retail space had never been part of my life plan but once I saw the shop for sale it just seemed like the most natural thing to do.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is the diversity. Once minute I’m making coffee and the next I’m discussing our latest exhibition or explaining the differences in paper weights or which brush would be best for a particular project. Every day is different.
What’s your favourite industry memory?
When I was at school, we were taught cursive writing. You had to practice using a pencil until Mrs. Fox considered your work good enough and you were given a cartridge pen. I was so proud when I was given my pen. I still use cartridge pens now and have a couple of Kaweco pocket pens in my handbag, plus a few more at home. The benefits of having stationery at your fingertips.
Can you tell us an interesting fact about your shop?
Art Scene has been an art supplies and stationery shop for nearly thirty years, and I am honoured to be able to continue as the last independent art supplies and stationery shop in Sheffield.
What is your favourite stationery product of all time?
Coloured pencils in tins. There’s something about a box with its array of colours laid out neatly that brings me joy.
What is your current favourite stationery product that customers can find in your store?
This has to be the Being Me Diary, a five-year reflective journal which I published in 2017.
If you had to give one piece of advice to another store owner, what would it be?
Times are very challenging, and I nearly gave up earlier this year. But a little diversification can go a long way. Make changes and draw upon all the skills you have from elsewhere.
Check out Art Scene on Instagram at @artsceneuk.
