Michelle wears the Quilt Dress in garnet cotton velvet

As huge fans of Michelle Mason's beautiful shop 'Mason & Painter' we were delighted to get to know her a little better recently, and learn about her creative journey.

How it started...

Following her studies at Chelsea School of Art and St Martins, Michelle's first job was at the National Gallery, London designing exhibitions and graphics.   After taking a gap year to visit Mexico and South and Central America, Michelle set up her own design company  designing homewares for Heals and Liberty amongst others.  Then, in 2013 she decided (on a whim) to open a bricks and mortar vintage shop on Columbia Road in East London - one of our own favourite shopping destinations and home to the famous Sunday Flower Market.

Michelle's background in design meant that when it came to curating, styling and photographing her shop she soon gained a large and loyal following. Championed by interior decorators, high-profile gardeners and magazine editors alike the 'Mason & Painter' aesthetic quickly became known for its eclectic mix of French vintage café furniture, homewares, paintings and prints, along with industrial salvage, ceramics and plants. 

Voted numerous times as one of 'The Shopkeepers Best 10 Vintage & Antique Shops', you can read more about 'Mason & Painter' here.

After a decade, Michelle has started a new chapter with 'Mason and Painter' and recently opened up a beautiful "by appointment" showroom in Hackney, East London.

Michelle has published several books and in April, added 'Love Vintage' to the collection of titles.  It's the perfect guide for anyone interested in collecting, sourcing or selling vintage and decorative antiques...and makes the perfect festive gift!

Michelle is currently researching her fourth book, due to be published in Spring 2025.