There is a magical quality to the Nicholas Building. It isn’t the architecture or even the location. It is a feeling that you are about to discover something new. I thank all the artists who have lived and worked in the building for that. Because I think their personal voyages of self discovery must have seeped into the walls, hallways and even the lifts of the building. As you ascend the building, you never quite know what to find. There are cosy shops and studios, as well as offices that are not open to the public. For me, this makes it a great place to go shopping! I enjoy my voyage of exploration AND find some great presents!
When I entered the Nicholas Building on a recent shopping trip, I first looked up, as always. The ground floor is the Cathedral Arcade, and it has a beautiful stained glass ceiling. Alice Euphemia is in the corner of Cathedral Arcade, and has women’s clothing with style and attitude. It is a visual treat and I window shop before heading upstairs.
My first stop is Collected Works (level 1), which is also known locally as the ‘The Poets’ Bookshop’. There are shelves piled high with books of poetry (as well as fiction). On the doorway, there is a defiant sign proclaiming there will never be an end to books. Collected Works is open Monday to Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm (6.00pm on Fridays) and Saturday 9.30am – 1.30pm.
My second stop is the vintage haberdashery store on level 2 – l’uccello. Cuter-than-cute printed fabrics, label books, tape measures and yarns of wool. l’uccello is open Monday -Friday 10.00am – 6.00pm, and on Saturday 10.00 -4.00pm. As I leave the shop with my goodies, I somehow wander into Harold & Maude at studio 204. It is my new find for the day!! Their slogan – found object, recycled, remade, renewed. Glorious little studio. I walk away with decorations for the Christmas tree, as well as pressies. If Robyn offers to gift wrap, take up her creative offering!
While on level 2, I pop into Buttonmania, just for nostalgia. Buttonmania was the reason for my very first visit to the Nicholas Building. I was running an errand for my Mum, a keen sewer. She needed a particular button matched and she said they would have it. And they did. Buttons of every colour can be found there.
Up another level, to the third floor, and to Melbournalia, a pop up shop, which will be gone at Christmas. Hopefully it will return. It is currently open Tuesday to Saturday at 11am – 6pm (but 4pm on Saturdays). This little shop celebrates Melbourne and locally made goods. I emerge with 2 books about Melbourne. I slip next door to Mattt HQ to lust after the shoulder bags hand made there. This studio shop is open from Wednesday to Friday 11am – 6pm, or at other times by appointment.
With my bags bursting, it is time to leave. I wait at the lift. Sure enough, the lift grinds to a halt, and the lift lady welcomes me in. As we slide back down to earth, I gaze at the photos on the walls of the lift, and make a silent wish that the artists’ spirits never be driven from this building by developers.
