When, in the winter of 2022, German Master Florist Anya Norris decided the time had come to move from being studio based to opening her first shop, she had no idea she was about to take on her biggest, most prestigious commission, the funeral of maverick fashion designer, and punk icon Vivienne Westwood.
‘I had the phone call on New Year’s Eve, at that point it was incredibly hush hush, I couldn’t tell anyone, but I did have to ask the question – why me? I knew Vivienne had been born in Tintwistle, just three miles away, so her friends were looking for local connections and businesses and if they were female led, even better. They liked my work and so I embarked on one of the most incredible projects I have ever done. It enabled me to open my business with confidence after quite a struggle to get it up and running in good order.’
Anya’s shop on Glossop High Street had previously been a dog groomers and it showed – she and her husband spent many hours removing damp dog hair from every shelf, corner, nook and cranny. The final transformation was staggering, from a dark, dinghy space to a light and airy retail shop with Anya’s distinctive style hallmarking every area.
‘I was born in Germany and trained as a florist there before moving to the UK, I spent a number of years working in the corporate world before floristry called me back. For me, what is important is that people should see behind the shiny, glossy pictures and look for the craftsmanship, it’s not ‘just flowers’ it’s an art form that is often overlooked.’
Certainly, the friends and family of Vivienne Westwood could see that too.
