Nicholsons, the multi-disciplinary landscaping company, underwent a recent redevelopment of their retail space, now known as Rosara, to encompass a diverse range of offerings, including events, an expanded plant centre, a shop, and hospitality facilities.
As part of the refocused Rosara site, the designer, manufacturer, and retailer of tableware and kitchenware, David Mellor has created their first Cotswolds retail space.
Established by David Mellor (1930-2009), the company is renowned for its (cutlery) designs and pivotal role in shaping new retail attitudes, encompassing both display and merchandise strategies. Mellor was one of the most prominent 20th-century British designers, specialising in metalwork design, particularly cutlery, but he also designed traffic lights, street furniture, and bus shelters.
The company’s iconic shop was established on Sloane Square in London in 1969, which has since relocated to the nearby Pavilion Road. The business continues to specialise in tableware and kitchenware, offering a range of handmade pottery, woodware, glassware, English baskets, professional kitchen equipment, and, of course, David Mellor’s renowned cutlery.
In collaboration with the Rosara team, the new David Mellor retail space in Oxfordshire has been constructed within one of the traditional wood-framed buildings at Nicholsons. In true David Mellor tradition, the space was designed, built, and installed by the company’s creative director and David Mellor’s son, Corin Mellor, and his team. The shop’s fixtures were manufactured at their Hathersage factory in the Peak District.
The new location offers a range of David Mellor designs for the table and kitchen, and the day-to-day retail of the store will be managed by Rosara staff.
“The new venture signifies a collaboration between two companies who design and create beautiful things. There are amazing connections and similarities between Nicholsons and ourselves. Both, are experts in their respective fields and creators in their own unique ways. Nicholsons harnesses the natural world to make beautiful landscapes and David Mellor creating beautiful products to enjoy inside the home,” said Corin Mellor, Creative Director, David Mellor Design Limited.
Cotswolds hub
Once a tranquil region, the Cotswolds are rapidly gaining in popularity and number of celebrity residents, which has propelled the region into a hub of economic activity.
As a desirable destination for affluent individuals and tourists, key sectors such as organic food, eco-friendly clothing, and luxury services are experiencing substantial growth. Moreover, the region has attracted substantial investment in technology and professional services. There are approximately 9,500 businesses in the Cotswolds, employing some 54,000 individuals. Tourism and accommodation constitute the most significant employer, followed by retail and professional services.
Situated in North Aston in Oxfordshire, Rosara at Nicholsons is conveniently located in the vicinity of Soho Farmhouse, Restoration Hardware, and Daylesford Organic. Mellor added, “The Cotswolds was always a logical place for us to establish a new presence. A surprising number of our loyal customers from over the 70 years we have been in London, live in the area.”
