Literary Emporium was established in 2012 by Rio Brown – an English graduate with a love for classic literature. Located in the creative town of Frome, Somerset, Literary Emporium is a giftware brand that specialises in handmade jewellery, stationery and gifts inspired by great works of literature.
Literary Emporium is very much a family business – Rio started it from the corner of her living room with a small box of jewellery-making supplies. She set up shop on etsy and began selling a very small range of classic literature-inspired necklaces. In 2019 Rio was joined by her partner Ian, who left his teaching career to become Literary Emporium’s Business & Operations manager (a fancy title for keeping sh*t organised in the office). Rio’s Mum also helps to produce and send out literary gifts from their Somerset-based studio.
Literary Emporium was created after I completed my English degree and was a result of my love of classic literature and beautiful books. The range started with a single postcard featuring a famous quote from Wuthering Heights, in homage to my dissertation subject. My interest in crafts then led me to create handmade necklaces with a literary twist. I am always working on new designs and looking to my bookcase for inspiration.
Rio Brown
Nine years after Literary Emporium was established, its range has grown to include clothing, pins, and gift sets.
Literary Emporium products are now sold in a number of stockists such as The British Library, The National Portrait Gallery, Oxford University’s Bodleian Libraries’ shop and Keats’ House, London. And, of course, now also Books&Cookies.