Jan reporting from Vancouver

Vancouver has a few great areas for shopping, there's Robson Street for all the latest in fashion, South Granville for it's amazing art galleries and chain stores like Williams and Sonoma, Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware but if you're looking for unique handmade, vintage or local designs your best bet is Main Street and even Granville Island.  So I'm going to concentrate on those two areas for this World Tour.  Thank you to Irene for this opportunity, we're honoured to contribute.

MAIN STREET AREA: Vancouver Special Named after the infamous house designs of the 80's here in Vancouver, Vancouver Special is a new store that just opened this past spring.  Carrying local and international designs such as Vancouver-based, Gailan Ngan's ceramics and Boston's Tivoli Audio radios. Vancouver Special 3612 Main Street Vancouver, B.C. V5V 3N5 Canada [email protected]

The Fabulous Find The Fabulous Find is a great little store for mid-century finds where you'll almost always be guaranteed to find some Eames or Sarinen's hanging about.  Lots of teak, old typewriters and lamps.  I see now you can buy their goods online.  Click here to see more. The Fabulous Find 1853 main street vancouver, b.c. V5T 3B8 Tel: 778.836.0480

The Regional Assembly of Text The Regional Assembly of Text is full of original papergoods designed by owners Rebecca and Brandy.  All of their work has an "old school/old office" feel, with unique cards, journals, notebooks, t-shirts and office/desk/home accessories.  They also have a new online shop which is really exciting, so if you can't make it out here, one can buy many of their sweet things by just a click of a mouse.  The Regional Assembly of Text 3934 Main Street Vancouver BC V5V 3P2 [email protected]

GRANVILLE ISLAND AREA: Gallery of BC Ceramics The Potters Guild of British Columbia (Gallery of BC Ceramics) always has an amazing selection of local potter's work.  From local favorites like Cul de Sac Designs (Laura McKibbon) to Elizabeth Burritt, there's always something new to see, and always a great exhibit to see. Gallery of BC Ceramics Gallery Manager: Brenda Beaudoin 1359 Cartwright Street , Granville Island Vancouver BC V6H 3R7 phone: 604 669-3606 [email protected]

Circle Craft Co-operative The Circle Craft Co-operative is a gallery/shop in the Net Loft area of Granville Island.  They host an amazing Christmas Market every year, as well as offer student scholarships.  Their shop and gallery features the work of 200 craftspeople from across British Columbia.  The co-operative has been promoting the work of BC artists since 1972.  (Shown here:  Dresses made from camping tents by Angelica Werth (Nelson, B.C.) and Bear Encounters (Woven tapestries) by Kaija Rautiainen). Circle Craft Shop & Gallery 1 - 1666 Johnston St. Net Loft  Granville Island Vancouver, BC V6H 3S2 [email protected]

The Postcard Place

Comments

[pia]

oh i miss vancouver! this is such a fabulous guide, thanks Jan and Irene, I will check these out next time I'm there. I adore Granville Island, I imagined myself with a studio there once upon a time. The dream still lives on. px

[Norine]

I loved the Craft Cooperative pictures. The bear and weaving --someone needs to start a serious movement to preserve the Native Culture and Art in this area, your pictures made me remember some of the beautiful things I have seen in Vancouver and Southeastern Alaska that I am afraid won't be around anymore- weavings, carvings in bone and wood, baskets that are beautiful beyond anything.

[Robyn]

This is great! I live about 45 minutes away and certainly don't ever explore the city as much as I should. I think out of all those places, I've only ever been to The Fabulous Find, which just happened to be randomly stumbled upon. I can't wait to try these other places out! Thanks for the tour! :)

[diana]

Oh, so nice to see bits of Vancouver again. We visited a couple of times and Granville Island immediately became a favorite. Thanks Jan and Irene!

[carrie]

Vancouver, here I come!!!

[Prêt à Voyager]

Vancouver is where I took my first steps. I'd love to go back so I can actually remember the visit ;)

Anne

[jan]

Thanks everyone for your comments and how fun to hear Anne (taking your first steps here)!