This September, Curiouser celebrates 15 wonderful years of bringing art, gifts, books, jewellery, homewares and all things curious to the people of Edinburgh and beyond.
When we opened our doors on Broughton Street back in 2010, we had no idea how much joy and creativity this little idea would bring into our lives — and hopefully into yours too. What started as a dream between Laura Clifford and her husband Ian has since grown into a true family business, now co-led by Laura and her sister Rachel, supported by our talented, predominately female crew.
Here are some ancient photographs from 2010 when we were starting the venture by transforming a video store into Curiouser and Curiouser on Broughton Street. We had our sweet Josh the greyhound back then.
Alphabet Video store being transformed into our shop in 2010.
Seasonal Curiouser window displays including mt Masking Tape, Donna Wilson, Kate McLelland and Alice B Simpson.
From the very beginning, Curiouser has been supporting charities that matter to us, including CHAS and Alzheimer Scotland. We continuously donate all the money you pay for carrier bags with 100% match from us, as well as 10% of our branded candle sales. So thank you for making a difference with your purchases.
Curiouser has been proudly women-led. With Laura and Rachel at the helm, and a team of creative women behind the scenes, collaboration and empowerment have always been at the heart of what we do.
If you’ve ever spotted hands, backs, or heads modelling our products online — that’s us! From photography to design, from choosing stock to wrapping your gifts, our invisible touch is everywhere. Curiouser is built on teamwork, laughter, and plenty of girl power.
Incredible Tess Barnard who designed our current woodland Curiouser logo. She shares her birthday with Curiouser! Sending love to her to Australia.
Paper cut out display in Bruntsfield by Kim aka Poosac and 50 shades of Scotland window by Emily Mackenzie.
Starting to look a little bit more curious, 2010.
Back when the shop floors were still grey! Then we painted them light blue and now they are emerald green.
We first opened our doors on 16th September 2010 — just as the UK was emerging from a recession. People told us it was brave, but we saw an opportunity: empty spaces meant a chance for new beginnings.
Laura’s vision was to create a boutique-style gift shop, filled with carefully chosen art, jewellery, homewares, and stationery. That vision worked. What started on Broughton Street has now grown into two beautiful shops in residential parts of Edinburgh, each a little hub of creativity and community.
Laura in front of Curiouser Broughton around 2019.
Looking super young at one of our traditional shop birthdays - greeting customers with cake and drink.
Curiouser Bruntsfield opened in 2015 and quickly developed its own unique character. We even held an after-hours book club there for about a year.
The inside of our Bruntsfield shop in 2015
Opening Curiouser Bruntsfield in 2015. Sign writing by the wonderful Robin Abbey.
Ian, Laura and Rachel shortly after the lockdown restrictions were lifted.
Over the past 15 years, we’ve had so many milestones. But a few moments shine extra bright:
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Weathering the storm - When lockdowns hit, our team pulled together to list more than 2,000 products online almost overnight. It was hard work, but it gave us a strong online shop that continues to serve customers near and far.
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Our artful community - We’ve been lucky to collaborate with talented artists, makers, and designers from across Scotland and beyond. Every time we discover something new and see your excitement in the shops, it makes all the effort worth it.
- Creative team - We've had such imaginative, kind and magical members of our Crew over the years. They really make the shops what they are. Including putting together the seasonal window displays in both shops!
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Our customers - Most of all, we’re proud of the community that has grown around Curiouser. You’ve supported us through every season, popped in for cards and gifts, trusted us with special framing jobs, and shared in the joy of discovering something new.
Hand painted shop window displays by Rebecca Sheerin, Anna York and Fiona Purves.
To all of you who have walked through our doors, ordered online, or supported us along the way — thank you. We wouldn’t be here without you. Here’s to 15 years of Curiouser — and to many more curious adventures ahead.
A lovely staff night out at Strawberry Barn in 2016.
Vintage shop window display.
One last thing...
This year we are planning a special Birthday Celebrations on the 13th and 14th of September and an extra special pop up Sale Shop shortly after! We shall be all set up at the Shop With No Name, round the corner from our Broughton Street Shop.
