Queen of Hearts-themed Sunderland salon promises fairytale follicles

(left to right) Owner Kiri Mitchelmore with Charlotte Thompson, Sharon Greener and model Rebecca Hewitson (14) at the opening of the Queen of Hearts salon in Frederick Street. Photograph by FRANK REID

Former mobile hairdresser Kiri Mitchelmore has taken over an Alice in Wonderland-themed salon in Frederick Street, in Sunderland city centre, and renamed it Queen of Hearts.

The decor doffs it cap to the famous fiery character in the Lewis Carroll classic.

Kiri Mitchelmore at the opening of the Queen of Hearts salon in Frederick Street. Photograph by FRANK REID

Kiri said: “I was actually in the salon having my hair done when the owner said she was moving and did I know anyone who would be interested in taking it over.

“I was a mobile hairdresser previously and rented a chair at a salon, I hadn’t thought about owning my own salon before, but I’m 30 this year so I thought I’d go for it.

“The previous hairdressers that was here was appointment only, but we’ll be open all the time.”

Kiri, who also specialises in hair extensions, will be joined in the salon by a beauty therapist, nail technician, aesthetic nurse, semi-permanent make up artist and a reiki specialist.

(left to right) Owner Kiri Mitchelmore and model Rebecca Hewitson (14) at the opening of the Queen of Hearts salon in Frederick Street. Photograph by FRANK REID

Author and poet Lewis Carroll had many links to the area and would often visit his sister Mary Collingwood whose husband was reverend at Holy Trinity Church, Southwick.

It’s well established that the author often spent university holidays staying with his relations Herbert and Margaret Wilcox, who lived in Highcroft, in Whitburn. It’s believed that he did some of his writing on the clifftops and that he composed Jaberwocky on the beach.

The walrus statue in Mowbray Park also pays tribute to the area’s connection with the author’s poem, the Walrus and the Carpenter,