A couple who met on a beach in Thailand and married within a week are now running a flourishing business in south-eastern Asian arts and crafts.

Since marrying ten years ago, Jessica Schomberg and Andrew Lubran have maintained their links with the area buying from craftsmen and women in far flung corners of the region.

Their latest collection at Art Asia, their store in Crouch Street, Colchester, reflects their most recent visits to India, with items ranging from jewellery to teak furniture on show.

After three visits a year for the past nine years, the couple are well known in the regions they visit. They travel mainly by scooter because many of the locations are in the hills and not easily accessible.

Their marketing manager Amy Debenham said: "They look like a pair of hippies so everyone recognises them when they go zipping around the countryside."

The summer collection is open until November

Amy Debenham said: "There's so much on view it's an experience just going to see it. But prices are reasonable because Jessica and Andrew believe in ethical business and they charge only a bit above cost after transportation and expenses."

Published Tuesday, September 7, 2004

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