Warm welcome for Peter in Diss Heritage Triangle

A former landscape gardener and stonemason is looking forward to a new life after setting up an interiors shop in the heritage triangle in Diss.

Pete Grimshaw opened Vision Emporium in St Nicholas Street just before Christmas.

The shop sells a mixture of home interior, antique and giftware, including art glass, ceramics, textile artwork and rare items, sourced from across the world and also locally.

Pete decided to open up the shop after moving to Botesdale from Hertfordshire last year.

A car crash in 2010 meant he had to give up his old career and, after moving to the country, decided to follow his passion for antiques and art.

“I broke my neck in the crash and, at first, had to take two years off for a series of operations,” said Pete.

“At first, I changed the nature of my landscape and paving business to more maintenance work but, last year, the surgeon told me even that was too much and that I was best to stop.

“My wife, Sarah, and I decided to move to the country for a fresh start.

“I have always been a fan of things like antiques, art and photography and had the idea for the shop.

“I’ve also done a lot of travelling, and developed an interest in items from across the world. Some people have said the shop is like an art gallery. People are welcome to come and have a browse.”

Pete has had a warm welcome from other traders in the triangle, which has helped smooth the transition.

He has carried out much of the renovation work inside the shop himself and says his experience in the triangle so far has been very good.