The landmark Liverpool building that's become a hub for independent makers

It’s a beautiful landmark red brick building on one of the busiest streets in the city centre.

But it’s what happens inside 98 Paradise Street that’s made it such a popular stop for locals, tourists and football fans alike.

Local artist and architectural illustrator Grace Cummings from Childwall opened art, lifestyle and gift store Wander there in summer 2024.

31-year-old Grace had been one of the creatives who had an upstairs studio and her Grace Emily Design prints for sale at MerseyMade on the same site.

When that closed, she didn’t want to lose what had become a valuable hub for independents, so decided to take it on herself.

Wander now stocks work by more than 30 different artists and makers, championing the talent of local artists and giving them an outlet right in the heart of the city.

Items include jewellery, jam, bags, soaps, candles, clothing, prints, games, books, notepads and diaries with makers such as McCready Bag, Annie Moon Ceramics, Liverpool Jam Co. and Jules B Jewellery.

Ceramicist Annie, who’s from Litherland, is one of those who isn’t just stocked in Wander, she also works there so has a chance to meet fellow artists and also customers.

She said:

“I originally met Grace through MerseyMade, we got on well and when Grace was opening the shop she asked if I’d give her a hand. I’m usually in my studio at home so this is a great opportunity for creative networking.

“When you’re working by yourself, you’re not getting immediate feedback, but here I’m meeting people who are buying my ceramics as well and I get to hear them talking about how much they love something without actually realising it’s me who’s made it.”

Everything on the shelves at Wander comes from creatives who Grace and Annie already know through the art community, or they’ve spotted at local markets. Their DMs are open so they connect via social media too, and get submissions on their website.

“It can be really difficult to get your work seen by people online, so it makes a difference to have a physical showcase and we want Wander to be accessible to everybody,” adds Annie.

“People can come in, browse to find something they like, and we have a little write-up on all our artists so they can read where their things are coming from and find out more about the maker.

“We really want to encourage the people of Liverpool to shop independently and support local, independent makers, and customers do tell us that’s important to them.

“If you go to other cities in the UK, for example Glasgow, there are so many opportunities to support an independent company, whether it’s clothing or art or lifestyle like we have, but in Liverpool there’s a much more limited selection.

“I think because of that people do want to help and build it up if they can rather than seeing another independent business close down.”

With Pocket cafe adjoining, Annie says they often find customers grab a coffee then walk through to look around.

As well as local shoppers, Wander attracts a lot of tourists and fans in the city centre on their way to Liverpool and Everton home games.

“Tourism, and especially football tourism, a big for us,” says Annie.

“Since Eurovision, Liverpool always seems really busy with visitors, it’s just been up and up since then.

“People want to leave with something from where they’ve visited, but maybe not always a traditional souvenir. Liverpool is a very creative city, with such a lot of talent, so they can find it at our shop.”