Business Details
12 Years
experience
Your Trusted Independent Retail Shop in Bristol
Paper Plane is an independent retail establishment founded in 2014 on Bristol's iconic Gloucester Road. Our shop curates high-quality, ethically sourced products from over 50 emerging local designers, makers, and artists. We specialise in contemporary design that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal, offering handmade jewellery, organic clothing, statement lighting, and homeware that reflect modern minimalist sensibilities. Our commitment to sustainability extends to our selection process, prioritising locally made products that support the regional creative economy. Situated in a vibrant hub of independent businesses, we provide customers with a carefully curated shopping experience that celebrates British craftsmanship. The shop is currently managed by designer-maker Alice Rolfe and her mother Sue, who continue to develop the store's reputation as a destination for unique, design-led products.Our approach balances commercial viability with artistic integrity, ensuring every item in our collection meets exacting standards of quality and originality. We maintain transparent business practices through clear return policies and customer communication channels. Our physical location at 206 Gloucester Road serves as both retail space and community hub for creative enterprises. Through our work, we aim to foster connections between consumers and creators while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical retail practices. This dedication to quality, sustainability, and local support forms the foundation of our ongoing success in Bristol's competitive retail landscape.
Services
Handmade Jewellery
Ethical Clothing
Statement Lighting
Modern Homeware
Christmas Decorations
Art Prints
Stationery
Gift Cards
Local Artisan Products
Sustainable Goods
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We showcase work from over 50 local emerging designers and makers
- Our products prioritise ethical production and sustainable materials
- We maintain a distinctive modern minimalist aesthetic across all items
- We offer both physical and online shopping experiences with personal service
- Our team has over 10 years' experience curating Bristol's creative output
What people say
Fresh and modern design
Supporting local artists
Unique gift options
High quality products
Welcoming atmosphere
Services
Handmade Jewellery
Our handmade jewellery collection features unique pieces crafted from wood, leather, and precious metals. Each item is created by local Bristol designers using ethical materials and traditional techniques. These wearable art pieces combine modern aesthetics with functional design, offering customers distinctive accessories that support independent makers.
Ethical Clothing
Our ethical clothing range features hand screen-printed organic cotton garments produced using environmentally responsible methods. The collection maintains contemporary styling while prioritising sustainable production practices. All items come from local makers committed to reducing environmental impact through responsible manufacturing processes.
Modern Homeware
Our homeware selection includes statement lighting, planters, and decorative items that embody modern minimalist design principles. Each piece combines functionality with artistic flair, created by regional makers using quality materials. These products help customers create stylish living spaces while supporting local creative enterprises.
Christmas Decorations
Our Christmas range features festive cards, decorations, and gift items designed by local artists. The collection maintains our signature modern aesthetic while offering seasonal products that support independent makers. These items provide customers with unique holiday decorating options that differ from mass-produced alternatives.
Art Prints
Our art print collection showcases work from emerging Bristol artists in various styles and formats. These affordable artworks allow customers to decorate their spaces with original designs while supporting local creative talent. The selection changes regularly to feature new artists and contemporary design trends.
People
Alice Rolfe
Co-Owner & Designer
Alice Rolfe is a designer-maker who co-owns Paper Plane with her mother Sue. With over a decade of experience in the creative industry, she curates the shop's collection while maintaining her own illustration practice. Alice focuses on developing Paper Plane's unique aesthetic and supporting emerging talent.
Sue
Co-Owner
Sue co-owns Paper Plane with her daughter Alice Rolfe. Bringing extensive retail experience, she helps manage daily operations while supporting the shop's mission to showcase local creative talent. Her involvement ensures continuity in the business's commitment to ethical retail practices.
Questions
What types of products does Paper Plane sell?
We offer handmade jewellery, ethical clothing, modern homeware, art prints, and stationery from over 50 local Bristol designers and makers.
Do you ship outside Bristol?
Yes, we deliver across the UK with most items sent via Royal Mail first class recorded delivery.
Can I return items purchased online?
We accept returns within 2 weeks of purchase, except for earrings, with items needing to be in original condition.
How do you select your products?
We curate modern minimalist designs that align with our ethical values, prioritising locally made items from emerging creative talent.
Are your products sustainable?
Yes, we focus on ethical production methods and sustainable materials across all our product ranges.
Can local makers stock their work at Paper Plane?
We consider new makers who have professional credentials and whose work fits our modern aesthetic. Submissions are reviewed periodically.
Reviews (3)
Ann Light
Jun 04, 2020
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Great innovation in the Covid19 pandemic
Having had time to write cards over the last few weeks at home, which always cheer people up and due to many shops not having an on line presence and I do not necessarily go to a shop and browse cards (I try to be in and out ASAP)
This local shop has plenty of choice and goods seen on line and which stuff is in stock
Ordered late in an evening and it was delivered through my letter box the next day and was awaiting my return from work - great service
They deliver FREE to local postcodes in Bristol and it is clear on their website
I can not wait for
Having had time to write cards over the last few weeks at home, which always cheer people up and due to many shops not having an on line presence and I do not necessarily go to a shop and browse cards (I try to be in and out ASAP)
This local shop has plenty of choice and goods seen on line and which stuff is in stock
Ordered late in an evening and it was delivered through my letter box the next day and was awaiting my return from work - great service
They deliver FREE to local postcodes in Bristol and it is clear on their website
I can not wait for
Radiate Repeat
Aug 06, 2019
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Great shop, full to the brim with great homeware items, jewellery, prints and more. A good place to explore unique independent designers.
Natalie Weekes
Nov 02, 2017
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I popped in, very much on the spur of the moment, before Christmas. I was knocked out by a 'pop art' picture of Nina Simone. Not only was the woman in there super helpful, she was so generous with her time. I got the picture framed in a recessed frame and beautifully wrapped. A lovely impromptu shopping experience.
