‘We’re all in’: Award-winning wildlife illustrator to open studio and shop in Clapton after crowdfunding success

Illustrator and author Ben Rothery. Photograph: courtesy Hidden Planet

Acclaimed wildlife artist Ben Rothery has spoken of his excitement as he prepares to open a studio and shop in Clapton after hitting his £18,000 crowdfunding goal.

Hidden Planet will open up on Chatsworth Road later this year.

The plant and art haven launched in Spitalfields before moving into two sister premises in Covent Garden, but Rothery was forced to close it after the pandemic struck.

That’s when he had the idea to look for a spot in his local borough, and found a place on the well-known market and shopping street.

Rothery then set up a crowdfunding campaign, telling the Citizen at the time: “The building is still largely a building site, and the idea is to build it from the ground up to be exactly what we would want it to be.

“More importantly, it’ll be in a community. You get to have this relationship with the customers over a longer period of time, rather than people who just pass through.

“I’m excited about having an opportunity to do this in a way that is embedded in the community that I live actually in.

Hidden Planet will be a plant and gift shop as well as Rothery’s studio. Photograph: courtesy Hidden Planet

The crowdfunder appeared two months ago with the ambitious £18k target – funds that would allow Rothery to secure the space and redecorate.

The goal was met at the end of August, thanks to contributions from 85 donors.

If the appeal had failed, Rothery would have been forced to close Hidden Planet for good.

The new space is three times bigger than the previous location in Covent Garden, and will not only operate as a plant and gift shop but also as Rothery’s illustration studio.

The illustrator also wants to use it to host conservation workshops and talks.

Rothery hopes the new venue on Chatsworth Road will allow Hidden Planet to become a permanent and beloved member of the Hackney community.

He added: “I love it here. I think there’s so much going on and the idea that we can put roots down for the business… we’re all in. I hope it works.”

It is hoped that the shop will open later this year.