Macclesfield couple opens new artisan gift shop in The Picturedrome

Two independent creatives from Macclesfield are to open a mini gift shop in The Picturedrome.

Leigh Jennings and Dick Vincent, who have been together for about eight years, will open Dick's General Store in The Picturedrome on Friday May 5.

They will be located just after the entrance of The Picturedrome on Chestergate, where a florist used to be.

The crafty couple specialise in embroidery art and illustration, which they will sell at this new shop.

They are open three days a week. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"Dick's is a new lifestyle, gift and stationary shop open in the entrance foyer of The Picturedrome", said Leigh.

"There used to be a flower shop here, it was brilliant. She moved on to a bigger premises, and we have taken on the space and think it is perfect for us.

"The idea for Dick's goes back a few years ago. We both wanted to extend our brands, we have always supported each other so we thought let's join forces.

"In that time, we had a baby so the idea has been on the backburner. But we were always collecting stock for it.

They are open Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 3pm. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"And when I did a recent workshop here I spoke to The Picturedrome's owners about our idea, they liked it and we've ran with it from there."

Both Leigh and Dick have appeared at pop-up markets at The Picturedrome, so they are already known for selling their handmade wares there.

The pair both have booming online shops, but to have a presence in the town that they live (and love) is a special feeling for them.

The venue has a sentimental place in Dick's heart, as his grandparents fondly told him stories about when they used to go on dates in The Picturedrome building in the 1950s when it was a cinema.

Some of the wares by Dick Vincent that are on sale at Dick's. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"We are open 10-6 Friday to Saturday and 10-3 on Sunday", said Leigh.

"As well as embroidery and print art from ourselves, we'll also be stocking loads of local artists that we love.

"All of our items are linked with an outdoorsy, Peak District theme."

"We know a lot of good artists from the market circuit, so it is nice to be able to champion them as well," added Leigh.

Dick's is located in the space before you enter The Picturedrome's food hall on Chestergate. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"We have a lot of kids-themed stuff as well, we noticed there is a bit of a gap in the market for that in Macc. There are lots of books and magazines for kids.

"Where we are in The Picturedrome, we are trying to be a part of that community too, so to sell something like a colouring books which you can buy for your table while having lunch can really embed us in."

Incredibly, they will continue their Treacle Market stalls on a Sunday, and call in a favour to family members to work the new Dick's store on a Treacle Sunday.

But other than that, it is just the two of them working at this new micro-shop.

Dick's are the fourth business to open in The Picturedrome this year, after Mira, Baked by Bean and Send Noods. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

They are one of just a few vendors in The Picturedrome's history to be from Macclesfield, which makes this new opportunity even more exciting for all parties involved.

Dick is Macclesfield born-and-bred, having lived in the town centre for most of his life. The ex-Ryles Park student got Leigh to move up here six years ago.

"Being at Treacle we always felt a part of the town but now with this we have a permanent base which is lovely", explained Leigh.

"To be part of the community and be on the high street is massive for us. We are honoured to be here.

They are also the exclusive stockists of Forest Distillery merchandise in Macclesfield town centre. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"We looked at shop spaces during lockdown and nothing felt right. But when this opportunity came along we knew we had to take it, it suited our situation and our brand.

"And I think we can work well with The Picturedrome too.

"We'd love to do more workshops with some of the artists here long-term, selling some of the merchandise that the kitchens here have too. Dick has already done the artwork for Rubens (the Mediterranean / Middle Eastern eatery in the middle of The Picturedrome) so it only makes sense to sell some of their merch via our platform as well."

The new venture has over 1200 followers on Instagram. Go and check them out at their soft launch this weekend. You don't even have to eat or drink at The Picturedrome to check them out.