End of an era as much-loved Barbican business prepares to close
A popular shop on Plymouth's Barbican which has been part of the street scene for three decades will be shutting its doors for good in the new year.It will be the end of an era as Plymouth Glass Gallery closes and owners Liz and Ian Nicholls retire from the retail world.The couple have built an enormous following locally but also have regular visitors from all over the UK, Ireland, France and the Netherlands and glass commissions by Ian have been sent as far as Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore.Known for their beautiful Christmas displays, shoppers often ask in the summer months what the display will be this year.Ian’s work, which includes colourful glass panels, sailboats and festive wreaths sit alongside work from glass artists from all over Europe.“We just buy in what we like and other people seem to like it too,” he said.Plymouth Glass Gallery has been in its current position in Southside Street for around 14 years. Before that the shop was “just around the corner” but at that time also selling paintings and sculptures. The couple also had a premises in Dartmouth selling exclusively glass.All the items used to be bought in but Ian, who had always had a natural artistic flair and interest in art, decided one day to book himself on a glassmaking course.“Let’s just say I fell out with someone over a commission I was involved in on the design side and they basically cut me out completely. I thought to hell with it and got myself on a course. I had been involved with glass long enough and the teacher said I had some nice ideas. The rest is history after that.“For a long time I didn’t tell anyone I was making things but they were going down a storm in the shop and Liz said I had to tell the customers,” he said.Ian is particularly known for his colourful glass panels which adorn ballrooms and grand homes all over the world.He said the couple became so transfixed by glass panels they saw at a trade fair one year that they blew the budget on that one thing.“We found them so unusual and modern, they were right up our street but did wonder if Plymouth was ready for them," he said.Since then they have become a firm favourite among customers near and far.The gallery owner said the success of the Plymouth Glass Gallery was that there was something for everyone.“Because we have so many different items from different artists our price range goes from a few pounds to thousands of pounds so people come if they are looking for small gifts or something for their home which may be a bit more expensive.”Smaller items include hundreds of Father Christmases and glass baubles which along with stunning glass, light and foliage displays hanging from the ceiling make it a mecca for Christmas shoppers.Over the years the couple have been involved in events on the Barbican and helped with initiatives to attract visitors.Ian said many customers were now friends.“I think being an independent shop is so much more than selling things. We like to help people and they appreciate it.”He said that extra customer service, whether it be helping someone to the bus stop or giving them advice, was always well received.“I think this is something the Barbican is known for and we have enjoyed being part of it. It will be very different when we close in February but I think we are ready to retire. We want a bit more time for us, so that when someone says shall we go away for the weekend, we don’t have to say ‘what about the shop’?”Ian also plans to spend more time with his grandchildren and nurture their love of art.He said he hoped the Barbican continued to thrive and didn’t become all bars. He felt that Plymouth City Council should spend more time thinking about it and not just the city centre.“The multi nationals are in the city centre whereas here we are independent and it’s important to look after small businesses. The potential of what the Barbican can be is huge and we lead to the Hoe. We have to fight for everything, there is less parking here and the charges are horrendous.”
