Elm Hill Craft Shop in city lanes prepares to turn 90

Lucy Morris, the current owner of Elm Hill Craft Shop took over the business from her mum three years ago and has big plans for its landmark anniversary, including expanding the store. 

The shop is on Elm Hill (Image: Denise Bradley) Prior to her taking it on, Christina had run the business – which sells nostalgic toys and an assortment of stationary – for 42 years. 

The shop was first opened in 1936 by friends Joyce Wilkinson and Doris Jewson.

The shop stocks stationery, art tools and toys (Image: Denise Bradley)

Lucy, 52, said: “I also write and illustrate children’s books and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take it over when mum said she was stepping back.

“But I have absolutely loved it. I’m incredibly nostalgic and so is my mum and I think that is exactly what this shop is.”

Customers who visit are often surprised by the forgotten treasures of their childhood that Lucy keeps in stock. 

The shop also stocks doll house pieces (Image: Denise Bradley) She said: “I always get people coming in saying ‘I didn’t know you could still get this’ and it’s lovely that some of the items here still resonate with our customers.”

Lucy also believes the store is one of – if not the only – shop to still stock doll’s house pieces.

A view of the shop from the stairs that lead to the top floor (Image: Denise Bradley) “I don’t stock anything in here that I don’t like and we also try to keep it really peaceful.

“The shop is a step away from the busyness of the outside, which people seem to really like.”

Next year, the shop will be turning 90 and to commemorate the impressive milestone, Lucy has plans to expand it. 

The building is two-storeys high but at the moment the top floor is shut off to the public because of concerns over the safety of the stairs leading to it. 

The top floor is used as storage but could be opened next year as the shop looks to expand (Image: Denise Bradley) However, Lucy has plans to replace the stairs with a sturdier flight and put out more stock on the second floor, which is being used as storage. 

She said: “We have stock that is not even out yet because our shelves are chock-a-block so the extra space will be fabulous.

“We might also have an event to formalise the expansion and celebrate turning 90.”