Resident’s new Somerset shop

I love exciting new openings, particularly when they’re close to home in southwest England. The latest one to catch my attention is the first permanent shop of lifestyle store Resident, which has just opened its doors in a Grade II-listed townhouse in Frome, Somerset.

Founded by James Borley and Greg Avis, Resident started life online before opening as a pop-up shop at South London creative hub Pop Brixton. Its new home sits on Frome’s Catherine Hill, which is packed with independent boutiques, and stocks a stylish collection of homewares and accessories. Highlights for me include beautiful hand-loomed throws by textile artist Maya Meuble, ceramics from designer-maker Louise Madzia and skincare products from Herbivore and L:A Bruket. In addition, there’s a range of industrial-style cage lamps from lighting brand The Electrical Shop, which was also set up by James and Greg.

Resident is open from 10am to 5pm, Thursday to Saturday, as well as on the first Sunday of every month to coincide with the famous Frome Independent Market (which takes over much of the town centre and is well worth exploring). The shop will eventually fill the entire ground floor of the building and the full space is expected to open this autumn, but there’s still plenty to browse in the meantime.

Photography by Resident