The Doctor Is In: Drayton's New Oddities Shop
Drayton Mills' vibrant marketplace has a new business tenant, with a unique flair. Dr. Drayton Art Decor and Oddities may be small, but its vintage-lined shelves, art-filled walls, and colorful collectibles pack a playful, streetwear punch in the small space.
Leon Wilkie, Dr. Drayton's owner and founder, opened the oddities shop recently in a shared building space with Bareknuckle Barbershop.
A Spartanburg native, Wilkie lived in New York City for over a decade as a graphic designer, with a vision to bring the culture he experienced in bigger cities to his hometown on his return.
"As a kid in Spartanburg I always loved going to comic book stores and the Imagination Station so I was excited to open a shop that had art, toys and other really unique collectibles and decor," he said.
Wilkie offers original artwork, graphic design services, mural design and execution, as well as a range of unique toys, clothes, and lots of interesting accessories in the shop location itself. Examples include vintage tees and sweatshirts, Wilkie's own poster design prints, statement flat bill hats, lifestyle brands, and handmade textile art, (such as this anatomical heart rug; see photo.)
"I’ve owned a design business for over a decade but this is my first hand-to-hand retail shop. I’ve always sold my art as a service so this is a great opportunity to have my own brand and show people my personal taste."
Over the coming months, Wilkie plans to expand the shop's offerings to include more of his original designs on apparel, as well as curated oddities. His current favorite piece on display is a life-sized African Antelope named "Pete," who is popular with children and adults alike.
Alongside his personal designs, you can also find artworks from Wilkie's friends on the walls and shelves, such as a larger-than-life zombie Bowie by Spartanburg artist Jeremy Kemp.
Beyond his new shop, Wilkie also works closely with Spartanburg vintage shop Retro Shack, for pop-ups and collaborations. Retro Shack offers curated 80s and 90s vintage sportswear, streetwear, premium shoes, and accessories, online and at their shop at 300 Union Street.
The oddities shop is tucked away on Drayton Mills' campus, just past Dray: Bar + Grill and inside Bareknuckle Barbershop.
"Ashley [Rushing, barbershop co-owner] and I are great friends and when she moved to Drayton Mills it seemed appropriate to have my space adjacent to hers since a lot of my friends and hip kids already walk in to see her."
Read more on Bareknuckle Barbershop here.
[First barbershop lobby photo via GoUpstate.com.]
Dr. Drayton Art Decor & Oddities is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am-7pm. Explore the full Drayton Mills' Marketplace here.