Cabinets of Curiosities | Shoreditch Design Triangle: Rachel Entwistle
Rachel Entwistle
Rachel Entwistle creates unusual and unconventional handmade jewellery with meaning beyond aesthetic. Her collections tell authentic and meaningful stories using myth, symbolism, history and nature as a means of self-expression – a way of communicating who we are, what’s important to us, and our relationship to the world around us.
Every piece is designed with the intention to add layers to the story as jewellery is given and received, passed on and handed down; creating narrative threads that weave together nature, cultural symbols, designers, makers and wearers.
Proud to be the founder of a female-owned business, Rachel Entwistle is the award-winning designer of the brand. Rachel has studios in Shoreditch London and at her home in Ibiza. Always having been fascinated by the cultural narratives and symbolism of tangible objects, feeling the connection to people in faraway places with different histories. Rachel’s life has revolved around inspiration, creativity, freedom, and being together in nature.
The brand seek to bring the community together through this shared narrative - the narrative of unity and common good, not partisan politics and division. They see jewellery to be about connection to the bigger story. The story of us.
Occupying one of the oldest buildings in the Redchurch Street area, Rachel Entwistle - on Club Row - is the epitome of Shoreditch’s reputation for independent design. We asked her what makes the area special to her.
What is your history/the history of your business with Redchurch Street?
I launched the Rachel Entwistle store in 2015 before this I had a collaborative store at the same location for 2 years.
In your opinion, what is it about Shoreditch that makes it such a creative hot spot?
Shoreditch has such a long history of making and creating- dating back to the Huguenot weavers right through to the area as an underground music destination through to it being the home for creatives and designers from 2000. It has a gritty urban energy that has always attracted creatives.
If you could collaborate with any Shoreditch-based artist - past or present, living or dead - who would you choose and why?
I would say Andy Weatherall he was such an incredible musician, producer and DJ and pivotal to the late 80's and early 90's Acid House scene and UK dance scene. No idea what we would collaborate on but it would be amazing to hear stories from the old days of East London's music scene. And having him play a set outdoors on Club Row would be pretty epic!
What is your history with Redchurch Street?
I have managed the Owl and Pussycat pub for almost 4 years and have really enjoyed getting involved with Redchurch street. Before I managed the Owl I used to frequent the area and pub regularly as it has a very relaxed and enjoyable vibe.
The Owl and Pussycat has been on the street for a long time, the building has been a pub since the 18th Century and has been known under a variety of names. The Owl and Pussycat pub is a part of the Redchurch Street history and will continue to help champion the wonderful street.
Why do you think it's important to champion independent design?
Shoreditch is an extremely creative area and we want to encourage budding artists to the area and champion independent design. Giving people the opportunity to see new designs and interact with the artists themselves is a huge opportunity for both parties and will continue to keep Shoreditch the creative destination it is.
What is it about Shoreditch that makes it such a creative hot spot?
Shoreditch is a very free flowing area where art and design can thrive. From galleries to street art and food pop ups to pubs, Shoreditch offers people of all backgrounds and interests to gather and share their work, opinions and interests.
Cabinets of Curiosities is a project for Shoreditch Design Triangle, a cultural event that celebrates the creative industry in East London.
it was established in 2008 as a vehicle for the designers, companies, and institutions situated in the East End to collaborate on the promotion of their activities during the London Design Festival.
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