New print shop celebrates with summer solstice event

A vibrant new print shop stocking stickers, pins, zines and more has opened its doors, blooming with contemporary artwork from artists near and far.

The National Park Print Shop, a colourful addition to Compston Road, Ambleside, is the sister store to the National Park Print Shop's Windermere store and Risograph studio, opened by residents Ian Battersby and Pete Smith in September 2022.

Mr Battersby said: "We’re really excited to be expanding National Park Print Shop into Ambleside.

"We’ve had such a positive reaction to our Windermere store, so it’s great to have even more space in Ambleside to showcase our joyful collection of stickers, pins, patches and gifts that everyone seems to love."

The new store opened with a celebration that coincided with the summer solstice.

Ambleside residents, business owners, and tourists celebrated the launch which saw a blessing by Cumbrian folklore expert Jonathan Cowie and decorations created by illustrator Guy Parsons.

Both the Windermere and Ambleside stores stock a selection of zines.

"We’re especially inspired by folklore and we love seeking out zines that tell these stories," said Mr Smith.

"Zines are little magazines designed and printed in small batches by indie artists.”

The Ambleside store is open seven days a week and also offers its range online at nationalparkprintshop.com.