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The Papered Parlour

The Papered Parlour is a creative paradise in the heart of Clapham Common packed to the rafters with nimble fingered artists from a diverse range of design fields. Set up in 2009 by visual artists Claire Heafford and Louise Hall, The Parlour aims to bring a little bit of theatre to the world of contemporary art and design. They teach an international audience to take making into their own hands, all with a flourish and personality that has seen them become one of London’s most cherished venues of the past five years.

A few questions about nice things...

Who do you most admire?

William Morris, Punchdrunk Theatre Company, Camilla Batmanghelidjh, Kate Bush, Bjork and Taylor Mac.

What are your favourite possessions?

The Parlour is chock-a-bloc with hand-me-downs and upcycled bric-a-brac, however there is no competition for our individual favourites. From Claire’s musty gymnastics pommel horse that oozes childhood nostalgia, to Louise’s dad’s vintage record player bought on a teenage trip to the Southend seafront.

Tell us about your perfect day or weekend...

There is only one place that doles out perfection by the spoonful: the Edinburgh Festival. An evening with the amazing Kate Tempest, Fuerzabruta and the ‘1927’ troupe then dancing the night away in the Speigeltent. What could be better?

What makes you happiest?

Hearing that our 11 year old silversmithing student has just launched her own jewellery line! Congrats, girly. Eating Italian ice-cream in the sun and drinking our famous parlour cockteas with the artists at our monthly studio socials.

What would you like to do in the future?

Pop-up Parlour Paris!

MY FAVOURITE PLACES TO SEE & DO, EAT & DRINK, GO & STAY...