Diane and Russ White, husband and wife partnership, recently opened Black & Whites Rothwell, a stylish boutique selling new and pre-loved gift items and home accessories in the High Street.

Diane, a self confessed insomniac, ‘had an idea’, an expression she uses frequently and one which Russ dreads! The idea was based on friends who had garages and attics bulging with quality home accessories; these items were perfect but no longer required and/or no longer ‘suited’ the current colour scheme. Diane decided to explore this idea and its potential retail opportunities, if these ‘previously owned and loved (POL) possessions were stylishly presented along with brand new items. From this emerged Black & Whites Rothwell.

Why Black & Whites? Diane and Russ wanted a crisp stylish logo, their surname is White and the logo, designed by a friend in London, even managed to include Jodie White, their 3-yearold Jack Russell Terrier, hence Black & Whites was born. Diane and Russ both have their own individual businesses, which they continue to run in addition to Black & Whites Rothwell.

The unique shop continues with the theme of its name, presenting black, white, grey and silver items downstairs and a ‘World of Colour’ upstairs. All previously owned and loved items are marked with a black dot on the price tag to ensure that customers are aware of the ‘special history’ of these items. However, these items are really only identifiable by the ‘dot’ as the quality and condition of all items displayed is perfect and this was always the intention. Quality, style and affordability are the fundamental values upon which Black & Whites was conceived and these values continue to be pursued with a passion.

Walls downstairs contain black glass mirrors, black and white photographs of local scenes, original pencil sketches of animals and a range of unique and original pen sketches (Picasso style), with those of mice and elephants being especially sort after to date. These pieces of artwork are complemented by stunning chrome sculptures, wrought iron animals, stylish lamps and, not surprisingly, a range of black and white porcelain cats, rabbits, vases and other decorative items.

Upstairs provides a complete colour change with vibrant red and green porcelain fruit, Jack Vettriano prints, mirrors and wall art. This Aladdin’s cave also contains small items of previously owned and loved occasional furniture for sale. Across both floors, you can select from stylish, yet practical gifts such as wine racks, fruit bowls, white platters, serving dishes, home accessories and gifts, including the ‘it’s a man thing’ range of gifts for men.

Favourites to date from the nice to have items are the elephant, dog and cat doorstops and draught excluders, black and white rabbits (£10 for the pair), keenly priced photo frames and the porcelain fruit in black, white and red. The shop is packed with stylish and unusual items, with every space being carefully utilised, and browsers are made to feel welcome.

Black & Whites Rothwell is closed on Mondays
but is open Tuesday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm
and Saturday 9am to 2.30pm.

28a High Street, Rothwell, NN14 6BQ
Tel: 01536 710460
www.blackandwhitesrothwell.com

 

Black & Whites

Black & Whites

Black & Whites

Black & Whites