Creative furniture maker David Patrick of Ipswich has attracted customers from as far afield as Scotland and Australia.

Now the brains behind quirky and original pieces which range from a lamp made from a bakelite telephone to a repurposed ejector seat has expanded by launching a major new interiors outlet at Stonham Barns Leisure Park, near Debenham.

Hemingstone Frames stocks a range of furnishings for homes and business interiors - as well as providing the picture framing services from which the business began.

The space is four times the size of David's original shop and follows huge interest in his wares.

The framer - who has been in the trade for 25 years - uses his skills to develop a range of framed pictures - but in recent years has branched out into creative furnishings.

He grew the business by supplying frames for top pieces of art at galleries in London and other parts of the UK.

Now he also supplies "arty" furniture and furnishings for people who are refurbishing or upgrading their properties.

David - who is from Hemingstone, near Ipswich - said the business grew organically.

"My customers – who appreciate beautifully framed art – are usually working on entire rooms when they come to buy pictures and mirrors," he said.

"I have been asked to supply other items of decor to go alongside pieces of art and so my interest in contemporary furniture and interior accessories has developed over recent years.

"I now stock anything that can bring colour, life and vibrancy to a home or business interior."

David decided to expand into a bigger shop after trialling his new and diversified product range along with other traders at antiques showroom and exhibition space Aspal Emporium.

He is proud of what he has achieved, he said.

Items for sale include a set of almost life-sized pelican prints, a fully stocked picture gallery featuring contemporary, classic and bold themes, ornate mirrors, sofas, chairs, cushions, antique pieces - and lighting made from naval ship equipment.

"The business has been nicely on target in recent years – even with pandemic," he said.

"Since the end of the lockdown, I have seen a steep rise in interest in picture and mirror framing and furniture and accessories.

"It’s as though everyone has remodeled their lives. Big feature pieces are much in demand as are ‘pops’ of colour in every shape and size. Anything to brighten up our homes and gardens.

"It’s all great for business and I’m delighted to be able to show off this new outlet. I have had nothing but positive comments from people from as far away as Scotland and Australia.’

Among his talents is transforming new and old pictures and prints into "works of art" using frames, mouldings, mounts and glass.