About our products

As well as selling local artists work, we also sell artwork from around the world which we buy only through certified fair trade suppliers and fair trade importers such as BAFTS (the British Association for Fair Trade Shops) or IFAT (International Fair Trade Association) so you can buy with confidence. This is to provide our customers with a higher range of products, more than resident artist, Donna Vokes could ever produce and enables our business to appeal to a wide range of countries.

Such suppliers and importers have been trading fairly for over 10 years and invest heavily in travel to meet their suppliers several times a year, speaking to them regularly and ensuring their working conditions are fair.

They buy their products directly from the primary producers around the world as well as large operations that support its workers by not only providing secure jobs, but also other benefits such as free healthcare and education for the worker and their families. These operations also support the local communities such as funding for local schools and orphanages by providing water tanks, food and blankets, work wear amongst other things.

All suppliers ensure that their workers are paid a fair price per piece, which is above the national average, and men and women are paid the same rate.

The products all use azo-free dyes. These create a safer working environment and are better for the environment in general. Many of their products are made entirely from recycled materials, which are used wherever possible.

What is Fair Trade?
Fair Trade is a trading partnership between producers and consumers, which seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions which ensure producers receive good working conditions and fair prices. Fair Trade organisations are backed by consumers and are engaged actively in supporting producers, raising awareness campaign for changes in the rules and practices of conventional international trade and highlight the unequal system of world trade.

Fair Trade improves the livelihoods of producers by improving working conditions, providing continuity in the trading relationship and paying a better price for their products. Paying fair prices to the producers which reflect the true cost of production - world market prices often do not cover even the cost of the raw materials.

Fair Trade support disadvantaged producers, especially women and indigenous people and to protect children from exploitation in the production process as well as supporting producers and their organisations in their community and social development projects. - many provide health and education facilities.

Fair Trade campaigns for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade and work to protect human rights by promoting social justice, sound environmental practices and economic security.