News

New project launch: Odditorium Vintage & Portrait Parlour [22.09.2010]

The Odditorium Vintage & Portrait Parlour has been a long time coming for collector Naomi Saunders, but time is relative to her passion for vintage and collectable charms.

Her idea for this galleria of found objects, curiosities and vintage installations was proposed to Renew Newcastle way back in March 2009, and we thought that we had found the perfect project to occupy an empty basement shop which was on our To Do list.

The shop was previously home to a jeweller, decked out with deep brown wooden panelling, rich red walls and secreting an antique safe. But unfortunately the space was found to be unsuitable to occupy until the property owner could do some minor works and secure a Fire Safety Certificate for the space.

Thanks to GPT 18 months later the property has been made available to the Renew Newcastle initiative and we tracked down Naomi to see if her proposal was still on the cards. Testimony to her patience and enthusiasm for her art, in just 3 weeks she has moved into the space, refreshed it with some juicy mustard yellow paint, and installed a bower of knick-knacks and curiosities.

The Odditorium sells vintage flavoured art, fashion, homewares and jewellery lovingly crafted by local artists – such as prints by antique train spotter David Hampton.

Or, you can feature in your own installation and have your picture taken in the Portrait Parlour.

See the Odditorium profile for location, shop opening hours and more details.

Join Naomi and some of the featured artists at the shop opening party on Friday 1 October from 6pm.