Four

Growler

BY Sarah McArthur, August 7, 2012

From collectables and vintage pieces from by-gone eras, to limited edition contemporary art and photography, even clothing, Growler has it all. This one-stop-shop of beautiful dog-related objects is a real treasure trove. We chat to Tess Gomm, who handpicks them all, about searching for the unusual, what’s hot and the truth a about cats.

First of all, why dogs?
I love to be loved back and I don’t like cats much. There it is. I’ve said it.

Who instilled the love for our canine friends in you?  
My grandfather was a shepherd in Sussex and I adored his sheepdogs. But in those days dogs were dogs. They lived outside. Snoozing on the sofa not allowed. I badgered my parents for a dog and they finally gave in when I was 13 and deemed ‘responsible’ enough. Her name was Tip and she was a collie cross.The first time I ever saw my Dad cry was when she died aged 15.

Is it hard work sourcing vintage dog themed collectables?
It’s definitely harder to find things than it was when I first started collecting seriously about 11 years ago. Ordinary things are a dime a dozen. I like to think the Growler collection is more eclectic. In truth, I never know when and where I’m going to stumble across something magical – flea markets, antique fairs, junk shops, car boots… I do them all.

Do you have reliable sources?
I do have my sources but obviously I could never reveal them. I also have friends around the world who keep an eye out. Right now I have some great pieces waiting to be collected from New York.

What was your most recent purchase?
A 1960s tin commemorating Soviet Space Dogs Belka and Strelka. They were the first Earth-born creatures to go into orbit and return alive. It will be on the site very soon. It’s pretty cool.

Collectors can be obsessive in nature. Do you have a lot of repeat custom from the same collectors?
Understandably anyone with a Jack Russell is going to be interested in memorabilia or art relating to that breed. And even though we’ve only been open a few months I already have customers who have asked me to look out for specific breed-related pieces, which I’m more than happy to do. All part of the service!

What’s hot in the dog collecting world right now?
People are loving the metal dogs from the 40s and 50s. They come in all breeds, shapes and sizes. They’re beautifully battered and scuffed and looking for a new home.

Do you have pieces that you can’t part with?
Of course. Though I have to be strict about anything new coming in. Space is becoming an issue.

What is your most cherished collectible?
There are a few — a ceramic bulldog my partner bought me as a birthday gift. He’s in some of our lifestyle shots and I’m always getting asked if he’s for sale. Sadly he’s not! And we also have a collection of Hubley metal dog doorstops that I’ll never be parted from.

What’s the strangest piece you’ve come across?
Not so much strange, but kitsch definitely! I have a beautiful porcelain pin dish, French, 1920s, With a Jack Rusell having a poo! Go figure.

You collaborate with a number of artists, creating limited edition dog related prints for Growler. Did you approach them with a commission or did a shared passion bring you together?
It’s a bit of both. I’ve known Rob for years and we talked about doing the A-Z a long time ago. Hugo and Emma are friends of friends. Jillian is my cousin! I admired Martin’s work from afar and when we launched Growler I approached him about selling his work and he was nice enough to say yes. Suffice to say all Growler’s contributors are big dog people so we do have a shared passion! Artists and photographers are now starting to approach us – which is really cool. There’s a new photographer coming on board very soon (Gerrard Gethings), who I am very excited about.

Growler seems to have a strong ethos when it comes to supporting dog related charities. Was there a particular experience that led to this?
All our dogs have been rescues. We feel very strongly about giving an abandoned dog a new start. Call it recycling! It’s not always easy – for them or us – but we get there in the end. That’s why we do as much as we can for rescue organisations and, with Martin, we support the Dog’s Trust, the largest dog welfare charity in the UK. We lost one of our dogs to cancer last year. He was looked after by a wonderful team at the The Queen Mother Hospital for Animals in Hertfordshire and we’ll never forget their kindness and support. Now we do as much as we can to raise awareness and funds for the hospital.

Finally, long haired or short haired?
One of each.

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All images courtesy of Growler
growler-london.co.uk

Tags Accessories, Adornment, Book, Collectables, Collection, Gifts, Growler, Illustration, Interiors, Living, London, Painting, Photography, Product, Vintage