If you've ever wandered into Stanley Road Store in Brighton, you'll know it's not your average gift shop. It's a place full of colour, creativity and unexpected treasures, where every shelf has a story to tell. Behind it all is Maxine – the owner, maker and creative force who has spent years building a space that celebrates independent artists, handmade design and the joy of discovering something a little different.
From Lost and Foundry to Stanley Road Store
Maxine is also the founder of Lost and Foundry, a creative platform dedicated to supporting independent makers, artists and designers. Her passion has always been about championing creative talent and giving small businesses a place to be seen.
That passion naturally evolved into Stanley Road Store, an independent gift shop in Brighton where visitors can discover thoughtfully curated collections of artwork, clothing, homeware, jewellery and unique gifts from talented creatives across the UK and beyond.
Whether you're searching for a Brighton souvenir, a handmade gift or something completely unexpected, Stanley Road is a place where creativity comes first.
A Maker at Heart
Maxine isn't just passionate about supporting makers – she's a maker herself.
Throughout the shop you'll spot her wonderfully weird lighting creations, each one handmade and full of personality. These imaginative pieces have become part of Stanley Road's identity, bringing warmth, colour and curiosity to every corner of the space.
Her love of making inspires the atmosphere of the shop, where creativity isn't just displayed on the shelves – it's built into the experience.
Championing Independent Artists
One of the things that makes Stanley Road Store unique is its commitment to independent artists and makers.
Every product is chosen with care, from artist-made gifts and Brighton-inspired artwork to handmade homeware, clothing, jewellery and quirky treasures. Maxine believes shopping should be about discovering something meaningful, supporting creative people and finding pieces you simply won't see on the high street.
The collection is always changing, giving customers a reason to come back and discover something new with every visit.
https://stanleyroadstore.com/
Wonderfully Weird, Wonderfully Stanley Road
Stanley Road is known for celebrating the wonderfully weird. From curious objects and playful gifts to unexpected treasures, there's always something to make you smile. Maxine loves sharing these discoveries through her "5 Weird Finds" videos on StanleyRoadStore Instagram page, where she takes visitors on a tour of some of the shop's most unusual and delightful items.
The shop is proudly dog-friendly too. Every Friday, one of our four-legged visitors is crowned Dog of the Week and featured in our newsletter. If their owner gets in touch, they receive a voucher to spend in our online shop – just one of the little ways we like to celebrate our wonderful Stanley Road community.
Throughout the year, Stanley Road also hosts creative events, exhibitions, maker showcases and product launches, bringing together artists, designers and visitors who share a love of creativity. Supporting independent makers has always been at the heart of what Maxine does, and these events are another way to help creative people connect with the local community.
More Than Just a Shop
For Maxine, Stanley Road is much more than a place to buy gifts.
It's a welcoming space where people can browse at their own pace, discover new artists, chat with the team and find something they weren't expecting. Whether you're visiting Brighton for the day or you're a regular customer, you'll always find fresh ideas, new makers and plenty of wonderfully weird treasures waiting to be discovered.
Visit Stanley Road Store
If you're exploring Brighton and looking for an independent gift shop full of creativity, Stanley Road Store is well worth a visit.
Come and browse artist-made gifts, handmade homeware, clothing, prints, jewellery, Brighton-inspired souvenirs and Maxine's own wonderfully weird lighting creations. Bring your dog, say hello, and don't forget to keep an eye out for our latest creative events, newsletters and videos—you never know what treasure you'll discover next.
5 Things You Might Not Know About Maxine
1. She grew up on the Canadian Prairies.
Maxine spent her childhood surrounded by wide open landscapes before eventually making Brighton her creative home.
2. A trip to Brooklyn inspired her lighting.
Many years ago, a visit to the Brooklyn Flea sparked her imagination. That inspiration was cemented by a stop at the wonderful Agapanthus lighting shop in Stockport.
3. She brought a narrowboat from Birmingham to Hackney.
One of Maxine's biggest adventures was travelling the canals all the way to East London.
4. She hitchhiked around Europe selling her handmade jewellery.
Long before Stanley Road, Maxine travelled across Europe, funding her adventures by making and selling her own jewellery along the way.
5. She has a passion for supporting independent makers.
Through Stanley Road Store and Lost and Foundry, Maxine loves introducing customers to talented artists, designers and small creative businesses.