London shopping: Ella Doran
I have to confess that I have a soft spot for flower boxes in windows. It’s a distinctly British tradition where many a dodgy pub is adorned by a carefully colour-co-ordinated explosion of pansies and cascading ivy. But it’s also an inviting, fresh and homely feature, and I’m pleased to discover that Ella Doran’s store has a couple of bright pink boxes of geraniums in the front window.
A well-known UK-based commercial designer, Ella Doran has collaborated with various brands and retailers, such as John Lewis, to develop a range of products featuring her trademark photographic prints.
Her images are typically a colour-saturated visual treat, whether it’s a row of coloured pencils, London’s iconic Routemaster buses, or an idyllic green meadow spotted with wildflowers. Her products range from made-to-order blinds to cushions, wallpaper, tableware, china and children’s products.
I love Colour, the kids’ book that Ella collaborated on in conjunction with Tate Enterprises. It’s visually exciting and a whole lot of fun. Her melamine range of products combine practical with cool, and I love the kooky “Vintage Plates” tray – perfect for breakfast in bed – and the cute kids’ apron in a vibrant cut-out paper dolls design.
Ella Doran
46 Cheshire Street
London E2 6EH
Tel. 020 7613 0782
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 10am-6pm
Saturday 12pm-5pm
Sunday 11am-5pm
Nearest tube: Liverpool Street
For more shops on Cheshire Street, click here.
For more shops in East London, click here.
