Finchley Showroom for Creative Reuse Platform
Used Creative, founded in 2025, offers pre-owned theatre and film props, with expansion plans.
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A Finchley showroom is now available for creatives seeking pre-owned theatre and film props, as part of the operations of Used Creative. The company, established in 2025 by Jo Kotas and Tim Brown, facilitates the resale of set materials and props, aiming to reduce waste within the creative industries. Visits to the Finchley showroom can be arranged by appointment.
Reducing Industry Waste
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Former art directors and sustainability advocates Jo Kotas and Tim Brown founded Used Creative after observing significant waste in the theatre and film industries. They noted that many props, including furniture and installations, were often sent to landfill or placed in storage after productions concluded. The founders described their venture as the 'Vinted of the creative industry', providing a platform for businesses to sell surplus creative materials and for buyers to acquire them at a lower cost than new items.
Items available through Used Creative include unique pieces such as a large play castle and a Christmas tree constructed from recycled materials. The company facilitates browsing of items online and offers in-person visits to their Finchley showroom.
Future Expansion Plans
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Jo Kotas and Tim Brown have expressed their ambition to secure investment to expand Used Creative's reach beyond its current operations. Their future plans include establishing a presence across the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America. The founders also envision developing physical retail spaces, featuring curated selections of creative items, and collaborating with local businesses.
Throughout their venture, Kotas and Brown received encouragement from industry contacts and Patrick Shannon, who serves as the industrial and growth areas lead for Waltham Forest.
Questions this report answers
+What is Used Creative?
Used Creative is a business founded in 2025 by Jo Kotas and Tim Brown. It acts as a platform for reselling used theatre and film props and set materials, aiming to reduce waste in the creative industries by giving these items a second life.
+Where is the Used Creative showroom located?
The Used Creative showroom is located in Finchley. Visits to the showroom can be arranged by appointment only, allowing potential buyers to view the available theatre and film props.
+What are the future plans for Used Creative?
The founders, Jo Kotas and Tim Brown, plan to seek funding to expand Used Creative across the UK, Europe, and North America. They also intend to explore opportunities for physical retail boutiques and collaborations with local businesses.
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