Julia Grant

The thing about Julia Grant is that she is a people person. You can’t refer to the studio that houses her business, Winter’s Moon, without referring to the fact it is often open to the public as a shop. And you can’t talk about her stunning collection of interior products without mentioning the many collaborators she has worked with. She even rents out part of her studio to a textile artist to combat isolation and uses the invitational Instagram hashtag #comesayhello.

OPEN STUDIO

Community has been the deciding factor for Julia’s studio since day one, shunning isolated picturesque spots in the countryside for a less conventional space in a builder’s yard beside a busy road in Chichester. ‘Part of the reason I thought it was a good opportunity is that I am on the ring road,’ Julia explains. ‘I have a little sign that I put out that says “Open, come say hello”, so people that know me know they can pop in, and it’s also an invitation for people that don’t know me to be a bit curious.’

Hortons Yard also has plenty of history of its own; David Horton & Sons, a local building firm, were responsible for constructing much of the 50’s post-war housing in the area. Julia’s studio now sits nestled amongst building paraphernalia, a mechanics workshop and a storage space for someone who buys up bankruptcy stock. ‘It’s not really the designer/maker hub that I would like,’ Julia laughs. ‘But, I fight my little corner!’

It was the traditional Crittall windows, availability of sunlight and large open space that got Julia to sign on the dotted line in the end. Having a builder on hand also has its benefits, and there have been numerous improvements to the studio including the installation of a wood burner and the replacement of a roller door with traditional wooden garage doors. It is through these bright blue painted doors that one will find Julia selling her range of vintage and contemporary pieces, some of which are designed and commissioned by Julia herself.

Words by Hannah Clugston

Photos: Georgia Gold