Redruth is not the first place you think of visiting if you visit Cornwall. It was once a hub of the Cornish mining industry, and is full of faded grand Victorian buildings, but since the decline of the mines a hundred years ago, it has suffered from a loss of direction and a lack of investment. But in the five years I have been visiting, it has been re-inventing itself and the low rents mean that among the high street regulars you can find a number of vintage and other individual shops.
I went to visit Daisy Rain, a family run vintage business based in Redruth’s Old Steam Bakery, tucked between a florist and the Post Office on the main street:
Down the alleyway, is a complex of buildings that used to form the bakery, and now make up the shop, stores and workshop.
The family found the Old Steam Bakery over 20 years ago, and have kept the character of the building while building a thriving vintage business.
As you go in, you’re greeted by a treasure trove of vintage clothes, furniture and ornaments:
A rack of vintage hats:
This is the main room of the shop – chock full of goodies!
I loved the way they’ve used parasols to cover the ceiling.
The old steam ovens can still be seen in the main part of the shop. These were heated by steam filled pipes – these and the fire places to stoke them are still in place (although you can’t see them):
These original (rickety) stairs lead to a second room, stuffed with vintage furniture and other goodies
Again, this is full of treasures
I liked this unusual compote dish, I’ve seen plenty of cabbage leaf plates, but never one with grapes and vine leaves.
Downstairs they were preparing for Christmas, with vintage party clothes and heavy winter coats;
Lots of vintage christmas baubles:
More Christmas baubles
I love the baubles and had great fun spotting the ones we had on the family Christmas tree when I was growing up!
I left with two coats and the intention to return soon, and I’d recommend it as a place to visit if you’re in the area.