The Shoal

The Shoal finds and imports beautiful handmade marine art from Sicily, unique ceramic fish and other creatures and paintings, selling direct to the public and into wholesale, leisure, hospitality and marine sectors. Based near the sea in Lyme Regis, Dorset, England, The Shoal has developed a professional, trusting and friendly relationship with www.fishhouseart.it, the Fish House Art gallery, located on the ancient 'island' of Ortigia, Sicily. Fish House Art is a supplier of amazing marine art from Sicily and Italy and Fabrizio and Lulù work with and support a diverse range of artists who exhibit at their premises. At The Shoal, founders and proprietors Pete and Diane have partnered with them to launch their range of ceramic Mediterranean and Tropical fish and oil paintings to markets in the UK. Inspired by trying, and failing, to find in the UK a replacement for a smashed Sicilian pottery bowl, Pete contacted his son, Fraser, who works on a superyacht and happened to be in Siracusa, Sicily. Instead of finding an authentic replacement bowl Fraser found Fish House Art and after many conversations the plan was hatched for The Shoal to represent them in the UK. The first stocking order arrived in the UK from Sicily at the end of 2020. Not only selling online, but also direct in person and through trusted traders and partners, The Shoal is a start-up that aims to be different. Our growing base of retailers are key to scaling up, but not too far as our pieces are unique and therefore limited in supply. Starting and surviving in the worst economic environment in decades makes us determined to continue to grow beyond our first year and enter new markets with new unique pieces.