I was recently delighted to stumble across a magical and whimsical place on the internet called Arthurs Circus. As a lover and collector of iconic childhood imagery, retro toys and quirky works of art I was instantly smitten. The Arthur's Circus store is well worth a visit if you happen to be in the North Melbourne area anytime soon, if not, you're in luck because they also have an online store! Take a step back in time and enjoy... |
 Who is Arthurs Circus and what do you do?
We are Natalie Jeffcott and Nicholas Fitzgerald. In September 2007 we opened Arthur's Circus. Our aim was/is to create a nostalgic shop with vintage toys and games, collectibles, handmade items and artwork and present them in a fun and decorative way. We wanted to support individuals or small companies that are not mass producing throw-away stuff. We ourselves try to revive older things that are headed for the scrap heap and give them a new lease of life. Such as creating artwork from vintage game pieces, old books etc. We have also just started a line of greeting cards and photographic prints using toys from our own collection which will be available from us and also wholesale.
Where did the initial inspiration for Arthurs Circus come from?
From our now 4 year old son Arthur. It was when we started looking for fun ways to decorate his room and looking for interesting play things for him as a baby. We were astounded by all the plastic (and merchandised / branded) crap. Particularly thrown out on the side of the road during hard rubbish. We are both hoarders and have trouble throwing things away. Often with the thought that with a little cleaning or painting , fixing etc they could be rescued and used.
 What is your artistic background?
Natalie: I've always been drawing and throughout school studying art, then in the early 1990's completed a 2 year Visual Merchandising course. In 1999 headed to RMIT University and completed a Fine Arts degree in Photography.
Nick: has always been creative and restoring things since he was a child. Bringing things home off the side of the road since he was 6, such as bikes, furniture, lights/lamps, valve radios and doing them up. He used to be an electrician by trade.
Have you always had a passion for quirky collectibles?
I think we both have, but hadn't indulged it quite so much as we do since we've been together.
Where do find all your amazing collectibles and vintage toys?
The usual places, flea and second hand markets, other shops / opp shops, side of the road (although not so much anymore), online and also people now bring things to the shop.
Do you have a favourite piece from your collections?
It's ever changing, we try to buy things specifically for the shop, but sometimes they don't make it and end up living with us instead. Arthur is notoriously bad with the vintage toys. He spies new (old) toys in the shop and then wants them for himself. I have 2 game boards in his room which we framed. Initially they were to be for sale, but once I framed them I knew they were headed for his room. They are from 1938 and are of The 3 little pigs and Snow White.
Do you have any collectibles that you can’t bare to part with (did they end up in your lounge room)?
Some days too many to mention and then sometimes we think, wouldn't it be nice to have less stuff. We both have our own collections of things. I collect cookie jars and Nick collects wooden toy petrol stations.
Finally, how would you describe your personal style?
Quirky and colourful and probably more than a little childish at times, but we like to think it's nostalgic instead.
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