From Colorado to Ludlow

The latest addition to Ludlow's thriving arts scene is a real Aladdin's Cave of unusual objects.

Abundant, who tweet from @AbundantLudlow, sells bespoke flower arrangements, affordable gifts, local art, handcrafted furniture made from locally sourced wood, reclaimed items and kitchenalia – all this as well as an Apple Mac consultancy and, soon-to-be, a coffee shop!

As you might expect, the enterprising duo behind this unique concept have a background as fascinating as the shop itself.

Owners and partners Phil Austin and Ott Bryan moved to Ludlow from the snowy resort of Breckenridge, Colorado, where they lived 10,000 ft up in the mountains alongside bears and mountain lions.

Phil, originally from the south of England, had moved to America to design floral and interior concepts for high-profile weddings and events in Dallas.

He met partner Ott in Dallas and the couple moved to Breckenridge so that Ott could concentrate on his passion for crafting rustic, American-style furniture.

Up in the mountains, they planned to set up a shop selling Ott's furniture and Phil's flower arrangements, but when Phil's father fell ill, the pair immediately relocated to the UK.

Abundant is the shop Breckenridge would have got if the couple had stayed there, but Phil says they're happy to be in Shropshire.

"We chose Ludlow because ever since I discovered it by chance on a drive, I've felt that it's the only place I'd want to live, especially because the views are so reminiscent of Colorado."

They've also become champions of local art and have transformed the upstairs shop space into a light and airy gallery displaying eclectic exhibitions which change every six weeks.

Their opening exhibition displayed a collection of Spike Milligan's personal memorabilia to complement the annual Ludlow Festival of which Spike is a patron.

"One of our most popular exhibitions was from local watercolour and goldleaf artist Tamsin Bridge, and there's now a permanent exhibition of her work on the ground floor," says Phil.

The gallery also raised over a thousand pounds for the local chapter of Help for Heroes through a photography exhibition by Giles Penfound.

"We're currently showing some wintry scenes from around Shropshire by photographer Julia Stanley, and we're now looking for multi-media artists, glass artists and ceramicists for next year."

Downstairs, the shop is a hive of creativity, and the couple will shortly open a cosy coffee shop selling fresh coffee and cakes from De Grays Tea Rooms ("The best cakes in Ludlow!" says Phil), where visitors can come and sit with their laptops.

There is also free WiFi and an Apple Mac clinic at the shop, and as keen techie's, Phil and Ott have become fans of Twitter.

"I'm glued to it!" says Phil. "And I've met some wonderful people so far.

"We stock items from people we've found on Twitter, such as @henryandjayne who sell ethically traded felt products from India, and @typoretum who make beautiful stationary and cards.

"It's like an online word-of-mouth, which amplifies any marketing that I can personally do."

Follow them at @AbundantLudlow or call the shop on (01584) 872500 for more information.