£75k grant certainly isn't Grimm

Grimm and Co - the fantasy factory and apothecary for magical beings - was given the giant grant by Arts Council England.

Staff and volunteers at the shop on Doncaster Gate impressed chief executive Darren Henley when he dropped in last month.

The arts tsar called the story centre wonderful, delightful and “the envy of the country”.

Deborah Bullivant, the charity’s founder (pictured), said: “We’re thrilled that Arts Council England are continuing to support us.

“This funding will enable us to develop better communications and relationships with our supporters, who are crucial to the work we do.

“It will also help us to deliver an even better service to everyone who we work with and to shout about it from the rooftops.”

The charity got cash from the arts council’s Catalyst Evolve scheme, which uses public money to help attract private investments in culture schemes.

Culture minister Matt Hancock said: “British art and culture is among the best in the world. We want to see it thrive.

“That means continued public funding, which is a critical underpinning.

“It means increased philanthropic and private investment has a vital role to play in their continued success.

“Catalyst Evolve uses public investment to attract more private funding, meaning we all get more bang for our taxpayer buck.”

Grimm sells trinkets and potions marketed at discerning monsters, magicians and other fairytale beings.

It also schools children in the art of creating great fiction in its secret writing workshop.

Deborah said: “Most people will see the magical shop as they walk around town. They may even come in and buy some goblin mucus, which humans use as soap.

“But they may not realise that, behind the secret door, a different kind of magic takes place.

“This is only possible because of our generous supporters across the Yorkshire community.”

For more information on the charity, its workshops and how to support it, visit www.grimmandco.co.uk.

For volunteering opportunities, email [email protected].