Punch Gallery

Whilst this shop is worth a look, the exterior of Punch Gallery is somewhat of an anti-​climax to the shop’s interior.
With a ginning moon swinging on hinges out the front, the moon smiles at you in a puppetry grin, endowing the shop with Punch & Judy quirky charm.
However, whilst the inside of the shop is decked out with some nice things, it lacks the promised vintage quirky twist that the shopfront implies.
What Punch Gallery does sell is a somewhat eccentric mix of jewellery (glass earrings of carrots, birds and various other animals) sitting in glass cabinets throughout the store, beautiful doctor’s bags made from smooth creamy leather, handblown glassware, coin purses and wallets, teapots, antique apothecary cabinets, homewares with an antique countryside appeal and a variety of artworks.
Pop in and check it out, especially if you drew your boyfriend/​husbands mum in this year’s Secret Santa.

I recall my art teacher at high school mentioning this establishment to me. Definitely an art establishment that has stood the test of time in Balmain, and in an area established by artists and creatives; this trend is highly likely to continue unless something goes very wrong in the process.
My only qualm would have to be is that this establishment can and does get quite crowded; not necessarily with people but crowded in the sense of stock and fun novelties available for sale. Trying to fit so much in a cramped space can make this establishment somewhat scatted; or rather cramped which isn’t good feng shui. Actually the word I was meaning to say is ‘cluttered’ — Punch Gallery is a little cluttered; yet the service is just amazing; with the most passionate staff around; to imply that they are passionate about the products they sell. And with a smile too.
If you are into arty stuff for around the home, and yet to liven up any living space: then the Punch Gallery is your destination to bring some much needed magic back into your domain. Make the most of every moment you have because life is short… very short on the contrary.

With art, jewelry and accessories from an array of local and international artists, Punch Gallery is a great place for a browse. Don’t come in here unless you’ve just been paid, however, or you might find yourself a few hundred dollars short of making that month’s rent.
There were a couple jewelry lines that had me captivated (staring, drooling) in front the case forever. The French designer Tara Tata does some incredibly unique and colorful pieces that will definitely spark conversation. With umbrellas, small bird houses, or wiggly frogs hanging from your lobes, you won’t be able to stop yourself from making instant friends.
Among the local designers is one who uses tiny pieces of old local maps encapsulated in silver borders. Look very closely (read: bring your magnifying glass) and you might be able to find your neighborhood in a pair of earrings. Or a bracelet. Or a pendent. Or some cufflinks. And might I add, I love a man in quirky cuff links.

One of two things will happen to you as you enter this most boutique of boutique jewellery and accessory stores:
1. You step inside and are hit with a wave of warm, heavily perfumed air. You flutter your long eyelashes and take a deep breath, taking it all in. All of your senses are aroused by the scents, sights, and sounds of the most delicate, stunning, perfect accessories you could expect.
Finally you found the store you were looking for!
You relish being able to leave behind the mundane, almost bogan-​ish pub-​ridden street outside and your voice naturally begins to change into a soft, silky eloquence of which the queen would be proud.
You leave the store uplifted and happier than ever with the beauty of the crafts of our talented craftsmen. Especially when it belongs to you.
2. Your thongs trip you up as you enter the store, and due to the instant headache you receive from the hot, unbreathable air, you believe for a moment that you’ve crashed into one of the delicate displays.
One glance at the price tag and you instantly fear this event occurring in reality, and place your arms harmlessly at your side as you walk ever so slowly around the room. You feel self conscious about your boardies and wife-​beater singlet, and wonder if there’s a dress code in the store.
The posh woman at the front tries to help you, but, looking around and feeling out of place, you realise there is no help to be given. You’ve come to the wrong place.