September 29, 2010
third drawer down's abi crompton
I defy you to check out Third Drawer Down and not find something that makes you laugh, think on a tangent or realise you've found the perfect gift for someone. But that's not all that the business is about. In fact, Third Drawer Down was founded in 2003 as a publishing company. Since then director Abi Crompton has gone on to collaborate with established and emerging artists to create artworks and products, including Louise Bourgeois and Miranda July. The company's store in Melbourne's Fitzroy is a showroom, shop, gallery, design studio and museum all at once.
Which five words best describe you? Kind, witty, (eccentric), sincere, cosy and determined.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since? After I finished 8 years of university my first ‘real’ job was at the National Gallery of Victoria as Product Developer. This is where I learnt some of my tools for the niche industry I work in. My favourite aspect of the job was spending hours in a small room of wall-to-wall folders full of the gallery's collection and I writing down merchandise concepts using the collection as the visual reference. This still is my favourite part of my day.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Only work with good and kind people.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Working with Louise Bourgeois for Tate Modern in London. This was my first major product development project as Director of Third Drawer Down, and it has gone down in history as a retail phenomenon... we still have enquiries for the products, and the exhibition finished over 3 years ago.
What’s been your best decision? To work for myself.
Who inspires you? Donald Draper from Mad Men, Louise Bourgeois and Mickey Mouse.
What are you passionate about? Making things happen.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? I would love to hire a house boat and invite Marcel Duchamp, Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons so nothing could disturb us except the weather.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? To collaborate with Jeff Koons on an art multiple or merchandise project.
What are you reading? The Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss.
images courtesy of third drawer down