JAMESPLUMB and Aesop have joined together to craft up the skincare brand’s new Cambridge store. JAMESPLUMB, the object and environment studio of artists James Russell and Hannah Plumb, is noted for its profound research, and heralding of natural materials. No strangers to collaboration, this new flagship store is the third time Aesop and JAMESPLUMB have come together.

Aesop’s Cambridge store is a continuation of the water and land surrounding it. With its proximity to academic and archival collections – this provided further inspiration, as a place to nestle while reading books in a calm comfort. Encompassed by visceral aromas, botanics and flora – local plant matter builds the foundation of the store.

Much like the binding of an antique book, the storefront is the colour of worn leather. “If Academia were a colour then this would be it”, the designers imparted. Melding together both age-old and forward-thinking techniques, a shining example of this is the commissioning of Felicity Irons. One of the very last English rush weavers, she came together with her team at Rush Matters who helped to bring this traditional yet renewable practice into the new millennium. Crafting up the abundance of bulrush elements found in the store, the life of the plants and natural materials create a symbiotic relationship with the visitors who spend time there. Breathing life into one another, this carries the thread of Jim Ede’s ethos (the founder of Kettle’s Yard): “come in as often as you like, the place is only alive when used.”

Shining a light on the store’s intricate construction, Head of Global Store Design Marianne Lardilleux reflects: “Hannah and James were involved in the construction of many parts of the store, ensuring the personality and patina of each material was attended to. For example, they took care of every single salvaged floorboard— cleaning and restoring each one tenderly. They looked after the smallest details and created lasting connections with builders, craftspeople, and neighbours, while simultaneously involving us at every step to ensure that we were comfortable with everything.”

For more information, and to visit the store head here…