Atlantica - 01.03.2001, Qupperneq 47

Retro Nirvana
Did anyone else out there get the shivers when
they realised that there was really no turning back
the tide of the eighties’ fashion revival? Well, do
not despair, since although the window of Spútnik
has been cluttered with some of that decade’s
more cringe-making looks for the past couple
of months, inside it has still got a reliably good
second-hand retro collection.
The streets of 101 Reykjavík stand testament to the
fact that the natives have taken that “hip-student-
meets-Cuban-refugee” look and turned it into a
bobble-hatted way of life. Seventies’ ski jackets,
flared corduroy dresses, scuffed little-boy-lost
shoes and ruffled tufts of hair are go. Pack a well
worn hardback by a lesser known Russian novelist
in an old-school airline satchel, and curl up in any
corner of café society.
Unlike similar stores I’ve been in, you don’t have to
trawl through a lot of garments in Spútnik that are
really only fit for the bin – the stock has been well
vetted. And, recently, they added a rack of kids’
clothes for those committed to keeping the family
in the threads of yesteryear. JMcC
Spútnik, Laugavegur 51, open Mon.–Thurs.
10 a.m.–6 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.–6.30 p.m.,
Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., tel. (+354) 552 7760.
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The Pottery Parlour
“You don’t have to be an artist to paint your own designs,” says
Gudrún Krístin Sigurdardóttir, hands-on owner of Reykjavik’s appro-
priately named Keramik fyrir alla (Ceramics for everyone). The
bright workshop, offset to the main shopping street, has been open
since October of last year, and the new do-it-yourself pottery place
has proven so popular that group bookings filled up every evening
in the run-up to Christmas.
The underlying concept of the workshop is that you can walk in off
the street, pluck one of any number of white clay cups, jugs, bowls,
plates, ornaments etceteras from the shelf, paint it in any way that
pleases you, and then leave it to be glazed and fired, ready for you
to collect and cherish forever. “I believe the idea came from
America,” says Gudrún, “and it has proven very popular. Visitors
should bear in mind that their work will be fired the day after they
paint it, and ready for them to collect the day after that, so it’s good
if they can plan in advance. There is always the possibility that we
can post it on, but it’s really better if they take their work with them.”
Gudrún is well acquainted with the Icelandic crafts tradition, having
been a knitwear designer for many years, and so she is a useful
guide for those looking for Viking influences. There are also books
on hand for those searching for a little inspiration, and coffee and
cakes available for anyone in need of a caffeine kick or a sugar rush.
The workshop has a very relaxed approach, and people are free to
spend a quick half-hour there or return the next day to wrestle with
an unfinished piece. “I always try to impart as much knowledge as I
can, about how best to apply colour for example, even if people only
have a short time to spend here,” says Gudrún. People who would
like to develop their skills, might be interested in signing up for one
of the six-week starter’s courses, which include the entitlement
to one month’s open access to the studio and reduced rates on the
pottery. If you just fancy trying your hand, however, it’s not that
expensive – a mug, for example, will cost you ISK 1,290 (around
USD 15) all in. JMcC
Keramik fyrir alla, Laugavegur 48b, open Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–6 p.m.,
weekends 1 p.m.–5 p.m., tel. (+354) 552 2882.
Parties over six should book in advance, otherwise just drop by.
A T L A N T I C A 45
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