Frances Nation

When interior and event designer Tessa Peach first made the decision to return from London to open a shop in her hometown of Ōtautahi, Christchurch, she had a very clear vision. This wasn’t to be any old shop. This was to be a celebration of New Zealand made daily wares designed with both delight and durability in mind. Tessa estimates that it took about two years of research, conversations with makers and travel before she opened the doors of Frances Nation in October 2017. Anyone who visits the store will agree, it was well worth the wait.

Nestled in the beautifully restored Christchurch Arts Centre on 28 Worcester Boulevard, Frances Nation (named after Tessa’s grandmother) sells useful goods made by New Zealand artisans and manufacturers, all of which have been personally scouted out by Tessa. From potato mashers to tool boxes, hand thrown ceramics to harakeke baskets and hand forged fire pokers, the shop is full of made-to-last goods.

The aroma of beeswax, handmade soaps and candles alone are enough to lure anyone up the beautiful wooden Arts Centre stairs, and once there, the space is very hard to leave. Explore the carefully organized shelves and discover, knives made by Peter Lorimer in Omakau, McKinlay’s shoes which have been made in Dunedin since 1879, Temuka pottery, handmade leather belts and so much more. Every item at Frances Nation holds its own and will make a welcome addition to your own home or an excellent gift to be loved for years to come.

Tessa’s latest update is the launch of her online shop, so if you can’t make it to the bricks and mortar shop you can now browse the full collection online with free shipping to all of Aotearoa.