Privacy Policy

Last updated: [02.06.2026]

This Privacy Policy explains how This Is Shards ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal information when you visit thisisshards.com.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and guidance issued by the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

1. Who We Are

This Is Shards is a UK-based sole trader artist business operating the website thisisshards.com.

Contact Email: hello@thisisshards.com

For any privacy-related questions or requests, please contact us using the email address above.

2. Personal Information We Collect

Information You Provide

We may collect personal information when you:

  • Contact us by email

  • Purchase prints or artwork

  • Request information about commissions or exhibitions

This information may include:

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Postal address

  • Billing and delivery information

  • Information contained in your correspondence

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

  • IP address

  • Browser type and version

  • Device information

  • Operating system

  • Pages visited

  • Time and date of visits

  • Website usage information

This information is collected through Google Analytics and Squarespace technologies.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to:

  • Respond to enquiries

  • Process orders and fulfil purchases

  • Manage customer relationships

  • Improve website functionality and user experience

  • Monitor website performance and security

  • Comply with legal obligations

4. Lawful Bases for Processing

We process personal data under the following lawful bases:

Contract

To fulfil orders and respond to requests relating to purchases or commissions.

Legitimate Interests

To operate, secure, and improve our website and services.

Consent

Where required, including for non-essential cookies and analytics tracking.

Legal Obligation

Where we must retain records or comply with applicable laws.

5. Payment Processing

Payments for purchases may be processed by third-party payment providers.

We do not store or have access to full payment card details.

Once a payment provider is selected, details of that provider will be added to this policy.

6. Sharing Personal Information

We may share information with trusted service providers including:

  • Squarespace (website platform)

  • Namecheap (domain and hosting services)

  • Google Analytics (website analytics)

  • Payment providers used to process transactions

We do not sell personal information.

7. International Transfers

Some service providers may process data outside the United Kingdom.

Where this occurs, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place in accordance with UK GDPR requirements.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary.

Typical retention periods include:

  • Enquiry emails: up to 24 months

  • Customer order records: up to 7 years for tax and accounting purposes

  • Analytics data: according to Google Analytics settings

9. Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

10. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal data

  • Correct inaccurate information

  • Request deletion of your data

  • Restrict processing

  • Object to processing

  • Request data portability

  • Withdraw consent

To exercise these rights, email hello@thisisshards.com.

11. Complaints

You have the right to complain to the UK Information Commissioner's Office if you believe your personal information has been handled improperly.

ICO Website: https://ico.org.uk

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be published on this page with a revised "Last updated" date.