Independent Cambridge - emporiums of the exotic and forgotten

The colourful and informative book, Independent Cambridge, celebrates the fantastic range of independent retailers we have on our doorstep. Read this week about Fantasia and Romsey Retro.

Fantasia popped up in Hope Street Yard during summer 2013, but the upstart is already a casual crossroads for Mill Road residents, artists and enthusiasts of the eccentric. It mixes quirky original pieces, (notably 1950s Japanese mementos and kimonos), with French and English vintage fashion, toys, games, and artwork by neighbourhood friends.

A slapdash museum of unusual ‘yukata’ fabric is hung up to inspire students and other creative souls who brave Fantasia’s inner recesses. Upcoming innovations might include ‘technical’ jewellery and wearable experiments in 3D printing. Brainstorming ideas for design, independent retail and the Mill Road community over a coffee, is always one of Fantasia’s raisons d’être.

Romsey Retro’s motto is ‘finding forgotten treasures’ and over time owner Clair has polished, repaired and painted old items so they can find new owners.

The original stories of these objects have been lost, but when they leave Romsey Retro they become part of a new story. A pair of 19th-century teacups became a wedding gift. A tall Art Deco lamp, newly rewired, now lights a Victorian house. An Ercol rocking chair found a new home in London. William Morris curtains decorate a Georgian house in Lincolnshire and a tiny Harris Tweed flat cap, found in Amsterdam, is now being worn by a local toddler.

Fantasia
Open daily (except Mondays and Thursdays),  from noon till 6 or 7pm.
Hope Street Yard
Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 3NA
Tel: +44 (0)7921 004090
www.fantasia.uk.com
Twitter: @FantasiaMillRd


Romsey Retro
Weds – Sat: 11am-5pm
Hope Street Yard
Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 3NA 
Email: romseyretro@gmail.com
Twitter: @RomseyRetro


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The latest edition of Independent Cambridge is now available from Waterstones, Heffers, many of the independent shops and online at www.independent-cambridge.co.uk.

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