TWO of Northamptonshire’s best known family names, Chudley and Jeyes, have come together to bring a range of stylish, countryside-inspired homeware, manufactured in the UK, to a whole new local audience.
The Chudleys, after years of travelling and adventures, settled in Creaton, with Diana founding the renowned conference centre and wedding venue of Highgate House. Her grand-daughter, Christie, a self-taught artist, from her home on a Lilbourne farm has captured the characters of her favourite family pets on a range of fine bone china mugs, jugs and ovenware. Her textiles include Aga covers, oven mats and tea towels. Wilfred Mouse scurries up her wellies, Daisy Hen and Ernie Pheasant roam in the farmyard while Harold Hare runs wild in the fields – they even appear on greetings cards.
The Jeyes Brothers, born in Wootton, in the early 19th Century also followed the entrepreneurial path.
Philadelphus headed into retail pharmacy with Jeyes Chymist in The Drapery, Northampton which remained there until 1966. John Jeyes was a botanist and inventor and his most famous product, Jeyes Fluid, is still sold worldwide today. Their descendant, David, together with his wife, Georgina, opened their traditional community pharmacy in Earls Barton 35 years ago. Their daughters, Philippa and Anna, now operate The Apothocoffee Shop, gift shop, and oversee the museums, making Jeyes on The Square a small visitor attraction – well worth a visit.
The younger generations have teamed Christie’s artistic flair and creativity with Philippa and Anna’s experience and skill in world of retail in Earls Barton. They have enjoyed working together to introduce Christie’s exciting new range of giftware and, hoping for success.
Jeyes on the Square in Earls Barton is open Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 5.30pm, telephone 01604 810289 or visit the website www.jeyesofearlsbarton.co.uk
