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CAREFULLY HANDCRAFTED GOODS FROM THE TREASURE TROVE, EDINBURGH
For those with an eye for exclusive handmade gifts, The Treasure Trove is a real destination. You will not find anywhere like it in the whole of Edinburgh. Just a few paces from all the big names on Princes Street, you’ll come to Castle Street; and there you will discover this little gem.
The shop’s profits go to the talented individuals whose handiwork fills the windows and shelves. They are members of an historic charity called The Royal Edinburgh Repository and Self Aid Society, whose original aim was to help those in need gain an independent livelihood, using traditional skills such as sewing and knitting. Today, the offering extends to woodwork, baking, greetings cards, and all kinds of weird and wonderful soft toys. There are beautifully hand-smocked children’s dresses, Fair Isle knits and the finest wool baby shawls. The shop also encourages talented artisans
Shop Opening Times Monday to Thursday, 9:30am to 5pm Friday and Saturday, 9:30am – 4:30pm Registered Charity No SC 006702
to produce bespoke work. For example, you can have your child’s name and date of birth carved onto a handmade wooden stool; and if there’s a particular woollen pattern you like, they have members who knit to order. In fact, you can commission every craft skill. The work of the Treasure Trove finds its way all over the globe - from Cuba to Queensland, proving that traditional skills are still very much valued.
Elizabeth East, Society Chairperson said: “We are unique. Similar societies have folded through lack of support or finance. Our shop is run by a professional staff and the Society is managed by an Executive Committee of Trustees and a Benevolent Fund Committee.
“Although we’re based in Edinburgh, members come from all over the UK, and we’re always looking for new ones. Anyone who thinks they have the skills to help pay the bills and wishes to apply for
Pictograms 1. Hook, Line And Sinker 2. Top Of The Morning 3. Somewhere Over The Rainbow
membership, will need to complete an application form (found at our website) sending it in with two samples of work. This is to ensure we maintain our high standards of quality and craftsmanship.
“When members are no longer able to produce work, we help them through the Benevolent Fund, which provides a twice yearly payment. Staff keep in regular contact with members to help combat loneliness, which is all too common. We hold coffee mornings and arrange occasional outings. Members also receive a newsletter three times a year to keep them in touch with the Society and each other.
“There’s an annual Fair to showcase members’ work (on Saturday 7th October this year), as well as smaller Pop Up Fairs at venues close to Edinburgh.”
To find out more, please visit
www.selfaidsociety.co.uk
Call The Treasure Trove on 0131 220 1187 or email
shop@selfaidsociety.co.uk The Treasure Trove, 23a Castle Street, Edinburgh EH2 3DN
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