Forty sixth at Grace is the address of a blog I stumbled on years ago and passed the time of day with ever since. There was something compelling in the photography – it drew you in without resorting to gimmicks- the clean, open modern styling of the site and the sparse text with measured words all contributed to a space that was at once warm and special. Nikole Herriot has since moved the blog but you can still go through her archives. She definitely has an eye for design and recognised the potential in the woodwork of her father’s hands. Packages mailed across Canada bore handmade wooden spoons, lovingly created by her father from wood he’d been collecting for decades. Nikole knows that excellent craftsmanship speaks for itself. There might be other souls who would truly appreciate the provenance, time, effort and passion that went into each of these unique wooden pieces. I am definitely one of those people.
Nikole opened an online shop, Herriot Grace, founded on the affection between and based on the talents of, father and daughter. Here, you will find maple wooden cake pedestals, rustic flag stands which can double as wee wooden cake blocks, beautifully detailed rolling pins, maple and chestnut bowls of various sizes, cherry platters and of course, the wooden spoons. The designs themselves are the work of a master, one who understands the beauty of the raw material, showcasing it without interference. Just looking at the picture, you instinctively know how it would feel in your hands. Natural. Nikole’s atmospheric photography, echoing the style of her blog, displays her father’s work simply. There is no gilding required. They have been running incredibly successfully over the last three years. It’s satisfying to see that their ideals for this undertaking haven’t altered in that time.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all, homogenous production, some of the pieces are one offs. Their items sell quickly, so if you want to buy it, get on their mailing list to get ahead. Without having read the background story, I knew there was something deep and sincere about the things I was looking at. This video explains it all in more detail. I would highly recommend watching it, it’s beautifully done and it’s always gratifying to know the face, names and the ideals behind the people whose work you greatly admire. For me, there is passion, integrity and love involved in all the aspects of this undertaking. I would be very happy to have a bit of that in my home.
All images are from the site Herriot Grace and are used with the permission of Nikole Herriot.
Jo Blogs
Oh I have a lump in my throat reading this. Alas my dad doesn’t make kitchen kit with but his woodwork is magnificent and I can’t see a fine piece without thinking of him. I’m going to have a good look at this blog/shop Carrie. I adore the first picture🙂
The Patterned Plate
The site is lovely and I adore her blog. On the new one, she had a recent “For the Love of Pie” series of bakes. Delicious!
Jean
Lovely; especially like the rolling pin. Heirloom stuff.
The Patterned Plate
Exactly Jean, this is the kind of thing you want to hand over to the next generation.
Mandy Cumberland
Wow, I can see how this has influenced your own style of photography. Beautiful images.
The Patterned Plate
It’s gorgeous isn’t it? I think its emotive for all that it’s just objects.
Rushi!
Carrie thanks for passing on such a treasure trove of a blog, the pieces are lovely and I’m crazy about the cake stands. Wow!!
The Patterned Plate
They are so beautiful. Real investment, heirloom pieces!
Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
I love their blog.. I didn’t realize it had moved? Thanks for redirecting us. I think my love for vintage kitchen items began there.. xx Smidge
The Patterned Plate
I can understand HG being a source of inspiration for a lot of things! The new blog is attached to the shop site.
Mandie
These pieces are beyond gorgeous. It’s going to take everything in me not to purchase them all.
The Patterned Plate
YIp, I know the feeling! They do International delivery as well, but that’s going to cost a bomb to get to me in Doha (with every chance of damage as experience can tell) and it’s the only thing that’s stopping me purchasing.
TheSpicySaffron
What beautiful stuff they have! I am in love with the pastry cutter:) And how sweet of you to bring them to our notice. Great post!
The Patterned Plate
It’s hard not to share something so inspiring and beautiful, no? Glad you like it Shalini…
vic@cakebook
what stunning work – I love all their stuff – thanks for sharing!
The Patterned Plate
My pleasure!
NYinRome
Thanks for sharing. I agree, the pieces are certainly extra ordinary ! Love wood pieces..they speak….
The Patterned Plate
Oh absolutely, it’s such a tactile medium and if they have a history behind it as these pieces do, it makes them all the more special.
magentmama
Just beautiful, I will check out the store…I hope they deliver here to Sicily!
The Patterned Plate
Good luck! Make sure you get on the mailing list for updates as they sell out almost immediately!