April 11, Durham

April 11 – a shop, studio and community space celebrating the North’s makers, Durham

Founded by Bethany and Miranda, April 11 champions the work of new and established makers from across the North of England and Scotland. Bethany brings over 12 years’ experience as a fashion print and embroidery designer, while Miranda draws on more than two decades in PR and communications within luxury retail — together they’ve built a space centred on slow, thoughtful production, with a working design studio at its heart where Bethany creates an original range of homeware and prints.

The draw: A genuine maker’s space rather than just a shop — alongside an edit of independent homeware, ceramics and artwork (including pieces from potter Emily Conroy and artist Diana Fitzpatrick), April 11 runs regular hands-on workshops for anyone wanting to learn a new craft.

Address: Cottage 1, Fowlers Yard, Durham, DH1 3RA

Hours:

Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.

Sunday, 11am to 4pm.

Vibe check: Warm, creative and community-minded — somewhere that rewards a slow browse, whether you’re after a considered gift, an original piece of art, or a new skill from one of the workshops. A nice one to pair with a wander around Durham’s other independent shops in Fowlers Yard.