In a canal-side warehouse on Vyner Street in Bethnal Green is The Mix – a new interior-design showroom filled with beautiful and functional objects by British designers. It was founded by Lee Thornley, who launched handmade artisanal tile company Bert & May in 2010. Here, he’s showcasing British brands he admires alongside his own products. While the concept is new, the showroom is something of a homecoming.
“Vyner Street was our first showroom [for Bert & May back in 2013] and I loved it,” Thornley tells Broadsheet. “I lived on a barge moored up next to the warehouse and Bethnal Green was my home. It’s a vibrant and creative part of London and I’m excited to be back.”
This time round, Thornley’s signature collections of handmade and reclaimed tiles – encaustic, porcelain, glazed, terrazzo and more – will be sold alongside British brands that he admires. Interior design-lovers can shop concrete basins by Kréte by Whitebirk Sink Company; colourful hand-blown glass lights by Curiousa; Sophie Cooney’s geometric patterned runner carpets; sustainably made kitchens by Pluck; and Ottoline’s bold, hand-drawn wallpapers and fabric.
The warehouse space has simple exposed brickwork and Crittall-style windows that act as a backdrop for imaginative display bathrooms, kitchens and living spaces created by the designers on show. “The more we developed the concept for The Mix, the more excited I felt about creating a community for British design,” says Thornley. “The brands get to share ideas and work on projects together. For example, Pluck is now collaborating with [brass hardware company] Armac Martin on kitchens which will be on display.”
Along with these immersive sets, the showroom includes a “play station”, giving customers the chance to experiment with design schemes using tiles, fabrics, paints, lighting and more, all of which are available from The Mix.
Vyner Street was once famous for art galleries but is now better known for interiors and design. Thornley wants to make The Mix an important place for everyone in the neighbourhood. “We’re developing a programme of initiatives for customers to attend, such as supper clubs, book launches and architect talks, where visitors can get inspired and enjoy the process. The shared community environment benefits everyone.”
The Mix by Bert & May
67 Vyner Street, E2 9DQ
Hours:
Mon to Fri 9am–6pm Sat 10am–4pm
