Shelley Panton · Prahran Store

Written

Lucy Feagins

Writer

Lucy Feagins

2nd of February 2014

Shelley Panton's new store in Malvern rd, Prahran. Photo - Caitlin Mills.

Shelley Panton and her pup Jessie, at her new store in Prahran. Photo - Caitlin Mills.

Shelley Panton's range homewares and gifts, many locally made. Photo - Caitlin Mills.

Shelley Panton's beautiful store in Prahran. Photo - Caitlin Mills.

OK so today's feature isn't exactly breaking news I'm afraid (!!), Shelley Panton's gorgeous new store in Prahran actually opened late last year, but goodness knows we were a little sidetracked at the time! So FINALLY today we're getting around to sharing this new retail offering with you. You might recall my post many moons ago on Shelley's first store in Middle Park, which occupied the sweetest little shopfront in an otherwise entirely residential street. After nearly 5 years in Middle Park, Shelley finally outgrew her much loved little shop, and luckily secured a larger shopfront in a prominent position on bustling Malvern Road, Prahran. 'We have doubled our floor space and have extended our range, however my pottery studio is still very much a part of the store' explains Shelley, whose handcrafted tableware has always been a central focus of her business. It's been hugely important for Shelley to retain warm and inviting feel of her quaint little Middle Park store - 'I wanted the space to feel the same as where we began and not lose it’s charm' she says. Just like her previous store, Shelley’s new shop is stocked to the brim with gorgeous locally crafted homewares, textiles, books, gifts and Shelley’s own beautiful handcrafted stoneware tableware. In addition, Shelley has teamed up with a local pottery producer Robert Gordon Australia to create a range of tableware to complement her own. 'Since I opened my studio in 2009 I have been approached by many chefs to produce pottery for their kitchens, but given that I can only physically handcraft about 800-1000 pieces each year, I decided to explore working with a local pottery producer to develop an additional range of functional stoneware for my store' Shelley explains. This new 'Table Series' is still Melbourne made and kiln fired, and includes a range of classic kitchen vessels in neutral hues. Later this year, Shelley plans to add new colours to the range. Alongside this new tableware range, Shelley continues to wheel-throw her own complementary stoneware range on site, known as her 'Studio Series'. Though her business has diversified to meet demand in recent years, it's clear Shelley's passion for her craft is still at the heart of her retail operation. 'As my business has grown I’ve had to schedule in time to work on the wheel, which is mostly before 10am or after 4pm, when there are no interruptions from the day' she explains. 'I cherish this time, as it allows me to get lost in my thoughts and process the day to day, while I’m creating something tactile and beautiful'. Aside from juggling the day-to-day running of her retail store with her own creative practice, Shelley is also well known for hosting an ongoing series of 'Dinners in the Studio', collaborating with various local creatives and food and wine producers. Over two nights in early March her store will once again be turned into a dining space to host two intimate feasts, as part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. More info on Shelley's website here! Shelley Panton 440 Malvern Rd Prahran, VIC Open daily, 10.00am to 5.30pm.