For those of you who are new to the world of Blackpop - we thought we'd take this opportunity to share a little bit more about ourselves and the place we call home. We are based in Wirksworth in the heart of the glorious Derbyshire Dales. Known as the ‘gem of the peak’ our high street is full of thriving, independent shops, making it so appealing - in fact you won’t find a chain store in sight, which has got to be a good thing!
Steeped in history and quirky architecture, we are surrounded by amazing countryside. Amongst other things Wirksworth has been home to ground breaking brands like Janet Reger - we love the thought that David Bowie might have come here for his silk pajama fittings! The worlds supply of lawyers 'red tape' was made in town and author George Eliot took the settings for her novel ‘Adam Bede’ from here.
Built in 1889 our ‘shophouse’ [yes that’s a real thing] has a fascinating history. Always a live/work space, it’s been home to successive artisan businesses for over 130 years, from stonemasons to weavers - a previous occupant had a penchant for driving fast cars and playing a baby grand piano - it's rumoured that her satin shoes are buried somewhere underneath our floor boards!
Pictured above is Abraham Mee. Abraham ran it as a gentleman’s tailors from 1921. He bought the building from the industrialist Arkwright [who built it for his daughter] and lived here with his family, who later ran it as a haberdashers until the 1980's.
Maxine [right] Paula [left] pictured outside the showroom in 2023
Blackpop took up residence in Spring 2019, establishing our showroom, studio and dispatch rooms downstairs and our home upstairs. We are proud to be part of a community that champions the arts and its resident artists, making Wirksworth the perfect home for Blackpop. We love its creative energy, strong sense of itself and its slightly bonkers spirit.
Lately, Wirksworth is fast becoming known as Derbyshires go to 'Design District’ for being home to ourselves, Curiousa and a wealth of other talented designer makers. In our showroom you can see all our wallpaper collections under one roof, look through all our various fabric design options, try out furniture pieces for size and discuss all your project options in person. We are a small business with a big reach and an award-winning design DNA which gives us a stand out, timeless legacy.
We are also a stones throw away from the John Smedley factory, Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall and award winning whisky makers White Peak Distillery. So if you decide to pay us a visit why not make a long weekend of it - there are some lovely local places to stay in!
