Project Feature Articles

The Hub General Store

Words by James Lyall Smith

Photography by Hub Furniture

Introducing the Hub General Store – An incredible tribute to one person’s passionate dedication to home design throughout history.

The Hub General Store is the culmination of a dream that started fifteen years ago when the founder and director of Hub Furniture, Jacqueline Foti-Lowe, began to express a desire to find a suitable home that paid tribute to the everyday design objects and vintage furniture pieces that she had long admired and collected throughout her life. On a Saturday morning in December, in a quaint red brick building on a primarily residential street in Collingwood, Victoria, this dream becomes a reality.

When asked about the inspiration behind the Hub General Store Jacqueline was quoted as saying, ‘After fifteen years of traipsing through flea markets all over the world collecting knick-knacks, I’ve decided to create a place for the everyday object.’

The quaint brick façade of the Hub General Store masks the many secrets and treasures contained within the building. Within the walls of the building an eclectic yet carefully-curated collection of products will be on display for the general public to share in the beauty and wonder of design history. Jacqueline’s collection includes incredible pieces of vintage furniture, handmade goods and everyday home objects from around the world. The public is invited to share in the passion of dedication shown through this breathtaking collection.

The Hub General Store also hides three distinct spaces within its walls, spaces that pay testament to the past, present and future of Hub Furniture. The front room of the space, which features a stunning original fireplace, will be a fluid environment, constantly transforming and adapting to accommodate stunning installation exhibitions, events and activities. The first installation will showcase the work of one of the most exciting recent additions to Hub’s impressive stable of brands, Faye Toogood.

The building also features a soaring two storey space with a grand old staircase that leads to nowhere, thus adding to the marvel and intrigue of the building. Finally, the rear space features a pitched roof that cascades down to a typically beautiful Melbourne laneway to which the Hub will open and share with everyone.

Ultimately the Hub General Store It is an opportunity for Jaci to share her passion for design with the public in an environment that is entirely different to that of Hub Furniture, one that reflects her dream that’s been 15 years in the making.

Hub Furniture is very much looking forward to welcoming you all into their second Melbourne home and taking your breath away with this truly incredible collection.

Location: 36 Cambridge Street, Collingwood VIC 3066

Official open date: Saturday December 9, 2017

Opening hours: Everyday 10am – 7pm