As a photographer I experience the world in a very visual way. I have been walking up and down Hampstead high street for four years now and the other day something caught my eye…

Perhaps it was the bright and mystical creatures hanging in the window or the vibrant colours bursting from within the shop but something told me that I needed to meet the people behind the visual kaleidoscope that is Petit Pan.

It was no surprise to me then after sitting down with the co-founder, artist and author Myriam De Loor that she was in fact as warm, vibrant and mystical as the items that drew me in.

Myriam, from Brussels and her husband Pan Gang from China, founded Petit Pan in 2002.  This husband and wife duo, the creative force behind the brand, first met 17 years ago. Myriam and Pan first met at an exhibition where she was exhibiting her children’s art workshops and Pan his beautiful kites. Myriam remembers that he introduced himself to her as “a kite man” and that sealed their future together. Myriam and Pan have opened Petit Pan stores in Paris and Myriam has continued to run art workshops for children.

A few months ago Myriam and Pan made the brave decision to pack up their lives with their three sons and move everything to London for what Myriam describes as, “a new family adventure.”

Pan grew up in China with his parents who are great Kite Masters. Pan’s father is famous for the giant dragons that he flies and Pan has inherited their knowledge and skill of kite making. The art of kite making in China is a traditional craft that led to the science of aerodynamics. Kites are made with bamboo and silk and Myriam and Pan use this technique to build many of the products from utensils to lanterns within the Petit Pan range. Petit Pan merchandise is made from only natural products and everything in the shop is handmade.

 There are a lot of exciting things ahead for Petit Pan. Downstairs will be opening soon as a coffee shop and Myriam will also soon be running children’s art workshops. These art classes will be small size in order to provide a focus on each child so make sure to book your place! On June 10^th Petit Pan will be hosting an opening party where there will be a sale and other surprises. Everyone is welcome so please do join them!

Petit Pan is a world of complementary, combined colours and it is impossible to step through the doors without your spirits lifting. So if have not yet had a little look inside Petit Pan, I highly recommend it!