A boutique shop owner in Marlborough, Wiltshire, has caused a stir after painting bold pink and brown ‘Marmite’ stripes on the front of her Grade-II listed building, sparking mixed reactions among locals and potentially triggering enforcement action.
Isabella Wookey, owner of Willow & Wolf—a fashion and homewares store—added the eye-catching design to her shop’s façade, located in an 18th-century building within Marlborough’s Conservation Area. However, the work was completed without the necessary permissions, leading Wiltshire Council to consider serving an enforcement notice.
The distinctive stripes have polarized opinion in the historic market town. Some residents applaud the colorful update, saying it adds glamour and vibrancy to the high street, while others feel it clashes with Marlborough’s traditional architectural character.
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Dubbed ‘Marmite’ stripes due to the color scheme and the love-it-or-hate-it reactions, the design was initially intended as a temporary, seasonal refresh. Isabella Wookey shared: “We began the repainting to care for the property and bring a little extra color, creativity, and joy to our corner of the town.”
The response has been overwhelmingly positive both locally and nationally, with encouragement pouring in from customers and through the shop’s 30,000-strong Instagram following. Inspired by the support, Isabella is now considering applying for the necessary permissions to make the look a permanent feature.
She emphasized the importance of respecting Marlborough’s heritage: “We deeply value Marlborough’s character and are keen to work with the council to ensure the shopfront remains compliant while continuing to contribute positively to the high street.”
Community reactions reflect the debate. One supporter said, “It looks amazing and adds a bit of glamour to Marlborough Town,” while another remarked, “It’s about time the high streets looked colorful and enticing.” Conversely, some locals criticized the design for being striking and out of place, with one noting, “Someone didn’t understand the rules,” and another insisting it should be restored to its original state.
Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Councillor Adrian Foster, confirmed: “The changes reported about this property will be investigated in accordance with the council’s planning enforcement policy.”
Another councilor described the stripes as “quite fun” and suggested they may attract more shoppers to the area.
Isabella concluded positively: “We are incredibly proud to be part of Marlborough’s beautiful and historic High Street. Willow & Wolf has always aimed to support our thriving local economy, and we believe that a bustling high street filled with unique small businesses strengthens the heart of any community.”