Maud's Attic in Ipswich celebrates 30th anniversary

Maud’s Attic, in St Peter’s Street, first opened its doors in 1996 and has become a distinctive fixture of the town centre.

Maud's Attic praises customers support (Image: Newsquest)

Owner Wendy Childs initially rented the shop for three months to sell furniture from her home before beginning to buy items from customers and developing the business into an antiques shop.

Thirty years later, Maud’s Attic has evolved considerably, with the antiques making way for an eclectic collection of new gifts, homeware and accessories.

Today, seemingly every corner of the shop is filled with something different.

They sell trinkets and mirrors (Image: Newsquest)

Its range includes jewellery, women’s accessories, scarves, hats and clothing alongside mirrors, home décor, gifts and seasonal decorations.

Wendy said she is “so grateful for all the support” the business has received over the past 30 years, adding that customers regularly have lovely things to say about the shop and that she continues to be rushed off her feet because it is so busy.

The shop's unusual name also has a family connection, having been named in honour of Wendy’s grandmother Maud, who used to take her shopping in the area when she was young.

It is the perfect place for Christmas gifts (Image: Newsquest)

Family has remained an important part of the story.

Wendy’s sons John and Robert Manning went on to run neighbouring businesses The House in Town and Revival Ipswich respectively, creating a trio of family-run shops alongside one another in St Peter’s Street.

They also have a wide range of jewellery (Image: Newsquest)

The business has survived enormous changes in the retail landscape since 1996, including the growth of internet shopping and increased competition from major high street brands.

A decade later, the colourful shop remains part of the fabric of St Peter’s Street, having proudly stood there for three decades.