A new studio has opened on the Isle of Wight designing and creating totally unique sculptural lighting, wall art and sterling silver jewellery inspired by the colours, textures and ever-changing moods of the Island’s great asset… the beach.
Pip’s Beach, in York Avenue, East Cowes, creates dramatic lighting pieces created from driftwood and natural stone, as well as richly textured mirrors and wall hangings, and sterling silver jewellery incorporating seaglass gems.
Pippa Phillips, the owner and chief creator of Pip’s Beach explained:
“Having grown up and lived most of my adult life on the Island I have always been inspired the sea, sand and skies of the Isle of Wight, in particular the subtle qualities of seaglass and driftwood.
“I think what I do is pretty unusual, I certainly haven’t seen anything else like the lighting pieces anywhere. I like to collect the seaglass and driftwood myself from the beaches on the Isle of Wight. Seaglass has an indefinable quality of light, texture and energy that is really uplifting, just like the waves and tides that have shaped it – and I just love being on the beach hunting for the perfect pieces.”
“I have built coffee tables from driftwood, but the biggest project so far has been a kingsize bed using planks washed ashore in Shanklin after a storm last year, along with driftwood branches and trunks to make the headboard and legs.”
Speaking about how the new shop at 7 York Avenue came about, Pippa said:
“I began by making pieces for my own home but was encouraged by friends to make pieces for other people to enjoy too – and that’s how Pip’s Beach came into being. I have so many ideas that I want to work on, including more lighting with an urban/ industrial twist, bespoke furniture and I really want to work in textiles too – it’s early days so I’ll just keep making things and building up product ranges!
Article continues below this advertisement “I have been so lucky to have a very generous and supportive landlord in East Cowes, currently my tenancy is until the end of March, though I hope to stay longer or perhaps move to another location in the spring. In the meantime I love being in East Cowes!”
