The Mercerie is officially one year old. I know this as I posted my first blog on April Fool’s day 2012. The Mercerie emerged slowly and quietly, with no fanfare and no entourage. I just opened a door, stepped in, and started building a future.
Over the year I have learnt many things, but perhaps the greatest lesson has been the value and importance of other people. I have learnt that self sufficiency is a self defeating goal.
I have been reminded of this on many occasions and especially during a recent photo and video shoot for the new ‘Festival’ collection which took place in Burnham Deepdale, on the North Norfolk coast. The decision to shoot the collection with a Shepherds Hut as the main prop triggered a whole network of communications and collaborations, and the result is the most amazing collection of photographs and film footage that are a testament to the creative talent of everyone involved in the project.
The campsite, the shepherds hut, the video, the photographs, the soundtrack and the garments have all become part of a mix that has been stirred and distilled down into what has become the essence of The Mercerie in 2013. This is something I could never have achieved on my own, and is simply the result of a handful of people prepared to say “ok – let’s give it a go and see what happens”
Everyone involved in the project has contributed creatively in some way and left their trace; a beautiful camera angle, a playful gesture by a model, the loan of a lovely red suitcase and a round of much needed milky teas from the local cafe.
The shoot took place in freezing conditions, with the snow only just beginning to melt as we arrived, and the threat of a blizzard on the way. We all worked a little magic that day, and transformed the wintry landscape into a sun bleached snapshot of a virtually real summer holiday. Icy fog becomes the hazy mist of midsummer, and the snow melts into sand as a combination of camera and video alters seasons and manipulates reality.
A visual narrative is gradually pieced together, a combination of semiotics, associations, resemblances and airbrushed goose bumps; time races forward to a summer solstice and a fictional story unfolds.
I owe huge thanks and gratitude to everyone involved in this project, but especially Eliza Boo Photography, John Harris Photography, The English Shepherds Hut and Burnham Deepdale Farm.
The new ‘Festival’ collection will be available from our online shop this spring – so come back soon!
And now, please read the next contribution to this chain of blogs by Audrey at AmarieB.com
what an inspiring and beautiful story…and the photos are delicious! thank you for sharingx
Hello Emmie and Emma, thank you so much! It’s always encouraging to receive such positive feedback – and to know that someone’s reading my ramblings 🙂
Love the photos and the knitting. What a great blog!
Thank you Abby – I’m looking forward to working my way through the whole circle of blogs, and it’s great to be part of it. x
I love your blog Sue! What a lovely addition to our circle! I really enjoyed watching the video as well, great work!
Thank you Isabelle, I’m delighted to be a part of your Sisterhood Stories – what a amazing group of women! 🙂
It all came together beautifully!
Wow – I’m truly honoured to be included in your list – your designs and products are absolutely beautiful and I love every second of working with you!