Over 500 people attended the launch of Princes House Cornwall on Thursday 7th February to mark the opening of a new collective of local businesses in Truro City Centre.

Despite the downfall of big names like HMV and Jessops, Princes House, the Grade II listed Georgian mansion house on Princes Street, has been renovated and is now home to a unique collective of local designers and specialists offering personalised products and services for the image and bridal markets.

Victoria Walker, kinetic jewellery designer at Princes House Cornwall said “We have everything from jewellery, stationery, hats and wedding dresses to some really special services like a personal chef and image consultation, as well as top class make up, hairdressing, photography and personal assistance.  Whilst weddings are the common thread that drew us all together, it’s really the quality and the fact we all create things that you just can’t find on the high street that’s unusual.”

Daphne Skinnard, Deputy Lieutenant of Cornwall and Assistant Managing Editor of BBC Radio Cornwall, opened the event and the Mayor of Truro, Councillor Ms Lindsay Southcombe cut the ribbon to officially launch Princes House Cornwall.  She said “With so many big names disappearing from the high street, it’s lovely to see local businesses with the good old fashioned values of quality, service and individual attention coming in to breathe new life into this old building.  With the growth of online shopping, this is exactly what we need to see in the City, something that people cannot buy off the shelf, creating an enjoyable experience in its own right.”

Clare Greenwood, Looks Magic Image Consultant at Princes House, who lives in Truro, said: “We were expecting at least 200 people but were blown away by the support shown from the local community.  At one stage around 50 people were queuing outside just to get in and the house was full all evening. 

“Shopping is a whole social experience of touching and feeling and conversation and aspiration and engagement and I, for one, hope that the “Real World” wins and that Truro and all the beautiful towns, villages and cities survive to enjoy a more vibrant future.”
Princes House Cornwall is now open to the public from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.  Customers can call in to the house or make an appointment with one of the collective, which comprises of photographer Simon Burt, bridal designers Annalise Harvey and Anna D’Souza, milliner Holly Young, jewellers Mirri Damer and Victoria Walker, makeup artist Ella Butler, wedding hair specialist Sarah Hooper of Capella, wedding stationer Natalie Fox of The Little Cornish Design Studio, image consultant Clare Greenwood of Looks Magic, PA & wedding coordinator Helena Giles and personal chef & caterers Steven Talbot & Corrina Hampson of Cornwall Chef.

Call 0844 272 0338, or email [email protected] to make an appointment with any of the businesses or to find out more about the collective.