We are spoiled for choice in Bath with the amazing interiors shops and suppliers we have at our disposal. In this second blog post (read the first one here), I am opening my little black book of favourite suppliers in and around our city.
TBKS
Back in 1981 TBKS started its life as ‘The Bath Knob Shop’ and quickly developed a reputation for selling all types of architectural fittings ranging from cabinet ware and castors to doorknobs and window fittings in lots of sizes and finishes. It quickly gained a following of contractors and architects who wanted quality ironmongery. Nowadays they are based on Locksbrook Trading Estate and have been rebranded as TBKS. I can’t recommend them highly enough. They have an excellent locksmith who can refurbish historic original locks and provide new keys. Their reproduction service and refinishing of original pieces is second to none and they stock a fantastic collection of architectural ironmongery and hardware available from British manufacturers and designers. As well as the items available online, TBKS can source and specify ironmongery from these companies for bespoke projects and finishes.
The Loft
The Loft is a beautiful concept store, set in the heart of Bath, on Bartlett Street Quarter, a haven for independent shops. It was created to provide the City of Bath with a one-stop shop for all things of good quality and good design. Long term residents will remember the Loft as Evans and Owen, which was a popular Victorian drapers and department store.
The Loft is great for presents – stylish Scandinavian homewares, velvet and linen cushions in muted hues, candles in a range of gorgeous colours, fabulous rugs and fun tableware.
Gallery Nine
In the lovely setting of Margaret’s Buildings, Gallery Nine is Bath’s contemporary arts and crafts gallery. Founded in 1991, Gallery Nine offers affordable, original, contemporary works of art and specialises in British works. The ceramics are a particular favourite of mine. The exhibitions change regularly, and you’ll always find a unique piece to make a statement in your home.
Fiat Lux
Fiat Lux, lighting specialists, first opened their showroom in Frome in 2003. They stock an eclectic mix of lighting, encompassing both traditional and contemporary designs. Fiat Lux work with leading manufacturers such as Vitra and Original BTC and are the go-to for property developers, architects and interior designers. They also stock fixtures and fittings, bulbs, coloured cords and cables in every possible combination. Whatever interior design look you are going for – from industrial to heritage, they will help you find the perfect light.
Fired Earth
Fired Earth was established in 1983, selling terracotta floor tiles from a farm in Oxfordshire. Demand for other stylish tiles grew and so wall tiles were added alongside stones and slates. Today we are lucky to have a shop on Broad Street, stocking a wonderful range of floor and wall tiles. I love the recent collaboration they have done with handmade artisan tile makers, Bert & May. Their Vigo tile is a favourite. It has a distinctive diamond like-motif and is based on a traditional geometric design. This tile can be used in both traditional and contemporary spaces, indoors and outdoors, and offers a strong and stylish aesthetic. They come in black, grey, pink, green and blue colourways.
Graham & Green
If I am looking for an interesting piece that will add character to a home, I often find myself browsing in Graham and Green. Their global finds, statement pieces and vintage-inspired treasures are unique. Established in 1974, it’s still a family-owned business and Jamie and Louise Graham live near the Bath store, which is a lovingly restored former 20th century bake house. Furniture is what Graham & Green are known for and for the last 40 years, they have travelled the world, worked with talented artisans and discovered unique furniture and inspiring collections. With beautiful mother of pearl and bone inlay embellishment, daring metallics and distressed wooden finishes, they are all about the detail. I love the Ike, industrial-inspired cabinets with ridged glass doors, which give a semi-transparent effect. Light distressing gives this dresser a vintage feel.
Rossiters
Rossiters is a Bath institution. It’s a design-led department store set over four floors of a beautiful historic building on Broad Street. It’s a wonderful labyrinth of interconnecting stairways and wood-panelled rooms that provide the perfect backdrop to its carefully curated selection of furniture, homewares and gifts. It also has the largest display of fabrics and wallpapers in the South West. Some of the well-known design names they stock are House of Hackney, Colefax and Fowler, Jane Churchill, Manuel Canovas, Designers Guild, William Morris, Sanderson, Liberty, Cole & Son, Malabar, GP &J Baker, Mulberry Home, Romo, Zoffany, Osbourne & Little, Nina Campbell and Nobili. If you’ve got a soft furnishing project, this is the place to go for inspiration!
I hope you’ve enjoyed my round up of my favourite Bath suppliers. Please let me know if I’ve left anyone out.
