Meet the Maker
@ Land of Oak & Iron
Our Artisan Collection
by local artists & craftspeople
The Land of Oak & Iron are proud to support local artists and makers, featuring them in a series of recent events at the centre where visitors had the chance to meet the people behind the products.
We feature products from a range of creatives including illustrators, willow artists, jewellers, painters, glass makers and potters.
We are proud to showcase these products in our new online store, and also give you the opportunity to learn more about the people behind them.
Find out more about our makers
The Nines
Natural Handmade Soap
The Nines is a small artisan soap works based in Washington.
It is ran by Frances Denton, who hand makes all the soaps using the age-old traditional cold process method.
Frances began making soap five years ago prompted by the need to find a mild and moisturising soap that could potentially help her daughter who suffers from psoriasis.
Looking at the various types of soap on the market she quickly came to the conclusion that the best way to ensure that a bar was free from potentially harmful chemicals was to make it herself.
So after months of research, testing (only on willing humans), obtaining a Cosmetic Safety Assessment from a registered chemist and complying with all the current legislation, she decided to share her soaps and started The Nines Soap Works.
The soaps are made with the best natural oils and butters to which are added, depending on the recipe, the finest pure essential oils, botanicals, clays, colours and honey.
They are all suitable for vegetarians and, with the exception of the ones that contain honey, are also suitable for vegans.
Our products are available online and in-store.
Whilst you are visiting the Land of Oak & Iron, please do stroll around the picturesque Derwent Valley, steeped in history with an abundance of natural woodland and iconic wildlife.
Our fantastic café offering homemade food with quality local ingredients is still running a takeaway service.
Products from our makers, such as the jams from Jo's 'Made at Home' AGA Jam and honeys from Travelling Bee Co., are a popular staple on our menus!