OUR PHILOSOPHY
We aim to deliver a space which celebrates design and creativity with its foundation in things that have had a past life.
Encompassing shop, display space, library and learning place, Soap & Salvation is all about experience and inspiration whether that be through enjoying our displays, perusing our library of books, attending a workshop or joining us for events.
From the antique and vintage pieces we source for our shop to the creative talents we collaborate with on workshops and the publications we put in our library, everything has been personally selected.
We would like to collaborate with other creatives and makers and welcome you getting in touch if you would like to discuss any projects with us.
No 20 - 22 ROPE WALK
Soap and Salvation is situated within a collection of old buildings on Rope Walk in the historic and very pretty English town of Rye, East Sussex. Nestled alongside coast and countryside yet just one hour by train from London this remarkable place is rich in culture with an intriguing mix of artists and creatives amongst its inhabitants.
Each building at the property has its own character and use. The Chapel dates to 1903 and was originally constructed for the Salvation Army. With its enormous arched windows at either end of the lofty beamed and vaulted ceiling this remarkable space has a simplicity that enables everything presented within to breathe freely. The play of light on a sunny day adds a whole other dimension to this building which is both shop and events space
Alongside this is another smaller chapel which was once part of the old cattle market. Originally constructed with an earth floor this has now been restored as a continuation of the shop and events space. The ground floor houses a pantry where you will find a collection of kitchen and utility room products such as handmade natural brushes, the most delicate old Japanese baskets and exquisite vintage French torchons. On the mezzanine, with its beamed and vaulted ceiling is our library and book shop. This space is also available to hire for meetings or creative research. To find out more click here.
Outside is a simple brick walled courtyard, a place with antique and vintage pieces for the garden, but also at times a convivial meeting place. Beyond the courtyard are the old stables. This perfectly dilapidated historic building will be undergoing restoration in the not so distant future - watch this space.
ABOUT US
We both trained and worked in design for many years before embarking on this new venture in Rye. Having acquired a love of sourcing and collecting antique and vintage pieces alongside an appreciation for the skill of the designer, artist and craftsperson we had a desire to find a physical space to create a destination we could develop and share. Rye was our destination of choice, having lived between here and London for a number of years. It is a hub of creativity alongside its coastal neighbours from Deal and Folkestone to Hastings and St Leonards to name a few.
The collection of buildings at 18-22 Rope Walk, have enabled us to do just that. We are at the start of this exciting new journey and would love you to share it with us.
