TRADITIONS from far-off shores will be brought to Swindon this autumn as one artist shares her childhood love of the Nigerian Mammy Wagon.

Inspired by the colourful wagons built on a lorry chassis and used to transport Nigerian women and their wares – stacked to the roof and above - from one market place to another, Philippa’s very own Mammy Wagon will play host to Swindon Open Studios which will be open on the weekends of September 3 and 4 and September 10 and 11.

Philippa used her love of crochet to set up the Mammy Wagon a year ago and has recently opened her Atelier where you can visit to see her latest pieces of work, which include crochet, crafts and recycled projects.

“My love of colour, crafts, crochet, food, gardening, cooking and travelling comes from my childhood; living and travelling in colourful, vibrant countries; Nigeria, Mallorca, Kiribati, and Australia,” she said. “The Nigerian Mammy Wagon always brought joy to me as a child. Now it instantly takes me back to the colours, noises and smells of market day.

“I was taught to crochet in Mallorca when I was nine years old by our neighbour, La Senora,” said Philippa. “She taught me classical lace crochet, with the finest of hook and the finest of thread. I’d crochet now and again over the years, but it wasn’t until four years ago that I began to crochet with a passion, and now I can’t go a day without creating something.

“I also love creating crafts and busy myself with creating all the time. Having my Atelier has given me the space and tools to become even more focused. I hope people will pop in and take a look”

The Mammy Wagon can be found at 8 Goddard Avenue, SN1 4HR. It will be open both weekends on both days between 11am until 5pm. Along with a warm welcome there will be refreshments that can be enjoyed in Philippa’s garden.

For more details call 07964 146207, email MammyWagon@gmail.com or visit www.MammyWagon.wordpress.com. Philippa can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MammyWagon and Instagram @MammyWagon.