A magical world of animal creatures is coming to York – all the way from the States.
Rookscroft and Company is preparing to open at 39 Stonegate, York.
It is a gallery and gift shop of unique animal artwork created by artist and author Jayne Siroshton, and is set to open in mid-November.
The premises was previously home to the traditional toy shop Wunderplay, which closed in September.
The animal characters are from her fictional ‘land beyond the sea’ called Rookscroft. Jayne has also published two illustrated books featuring these characters, with a third on the way.
The books will be on sale in the Stonegate shop, alongside a variety of gifts featuring the characters of Rookscroft, including jigsaw puzzles, mugs, magnets, tea towels, candles, and more.
Canvas prints of the animals are available too. Would you like a print of Dr. Fredric Foxton the fox, ‘a wonderful medical practitioner’, or Henry the cat, who ‘dreams of adventure on the wild green sea’, to display in your home?
‘Felt we were home’
And they’ve come a long way to open up in York – as Jayne’s previous shop and gallery was in Washington, USA.
It was last autumn when Jayne visited York on holiday and realised it was the perfect place to bring Rookscroft.
“The moment we stepped foot on Stonegate, I was struck with the feeling that we were home,” said Jayne.
“We couldn’t get York out of our minds. After several days of talking it over, we decided that we had to return and began planning our move.
“It’s taken almost a year to pack our favourite things in trunks, say goodbye to friends, and head back over the vast ocean, and now we finally have the keys to our magical little shop on 39 Stonegate, and are working hard to get it ready for opening day.”
Rookscroft and Company had gained a large fanbase back in Washington. “People from around the world visited our little shop on the island and are very fond of Rookscroft and its stories.
“Many of them are following our journey to York through the newsletter, and some of them are even planning a visit next year to see the new shop on Stonegate.”
Jayne is currently painting walls and sanding floors and getting the shop ready to open.
“I feel very honoured to have the opportunity to bring Rookscroft and Company to York,” said Jayne.
“When I first arrived in September, I felt bit overwhelmed and a little anxious about opening my little shop in such a beautiful old city, but everyone has been so incredibly kind.”
Get ready to discover the magical world of Rookscroft in November.
For more information, visit the Rookscroft website.