Last week, I was kindly invited to the launch of Heal’s Modern Craft Market. I don’t often make the long trip to London these days, but I was eager to attend. It might sound strange, but the shop, located on Tottenham Court Road, holds a very special place in my heart.

Back in 2001, my dad was treated for leukemia at UCH, a mere stone’s throw away from the 200-year-old store. During his lengthy and occasionally traumatic admissions, I would often seek solace beyond the confines of the hospital. Wandering aimlessly, I window shopped to calm my nerves, blocking out whatever I’d left behind.

Despite the bustling crowds, Heal’s always felt calm and serene. Basking in the natural light that flooded in through huge windows at the front of the store, I would amble about in a daze, immediately soothed by the abundance of beautiful objects on display. Dedicated to iconic design and luxury materials, it provided the perfect antidote to the harsh, ugly reality of a busy cancer ward.

Until recently, I’d had no cause to visit in almost a decade, but I’ve never forgotten the respite Heal’s provided during some of my darkest hours. It was wonderful to be given the opportunity to see the store in a new light and visit on much, much happier terms.

Celebrating the best in contemporary crafts, the Modern Craft Market showcases an eclectic array of collectibles while also hosting live workshops that utilise exciting new materials and processes. Like any super cool, mega trendy blogger, I took my mum and my best friend along for moral support.

We thoroughly enjoyed perusing the various displays on the ground floor, as well as meeting and chatting with the artisans whose work had been handpicked for the event. The free-flowing bubbly and the opportunity to browse the store in its entirety was also gratefully received!

Aside from everything in the lighting department, it was the vintage inspired prints and paper produced by Hector & Haddock that truly stole my heart. You can be sure this punchy neon pink ‘Poppycock’ print will find its way into my home eventually.

We watched Thomas Appleton carve letters into stone and Stephanie Hosmer as she worked on an intricate papercut. Their skill and attention to detail made me wish I could make it to one of the many workshops taking place before the event finishes for another year.

Instead, as the space grew more and more crowded, we slipped away in search of an evening meal, walking briskly towards Charlotte Street and the promise of Italian food accompanied by a little too much red wine!

Heal’s Modern Craft Market is taking place until 15th February at Heal’s, 196 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7LQ. Do pop along if you’re looking for something fun and inspiring to do in the capital this week.

Love Audrey xxx