christmas gifts from museum shops

Museums and Public Galleries are some of my favourite places to shop for gifts, and this year they are better than ever. Since the UK public funding cuts, the likes of Tate, Royal Academy and the V&A etc have upped their game to drive commercial revenue that will replace lost funding. This has resulted in artist collaborations and editions that really enhance the offering when it comes to shopping for unusual gifts.

I’ve listed my top picks below.

PS. Sign up to the Royal Academy newsletter for 10% off in the shop, and to The BALTIC for a very generous 15%

‘I’m always excited by the unlikely. Never by ordinary things.’ David Hockney 

So kicking off with some ideas for the style conscious lady:

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1. I love this Grayson Perry silk scarf scarf that is designed to help artists navigate their way towards success, Tate £75. To be worn or framed as art!
2. Cushion, also by Grayson Perry with FAT Architecture, Tate £140
3. Frida Kahlo pin, The BALTIC, £9.95
4. Tracey Emin Canvas Shopper, Royal Academy, £16
5. Green Rimless Mirror Sunglasses, V&A, £35

Got a young at heart partner reliving their teenage years, how about a Warhol skateboard?

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1. Classic Peter Blake – I Love Vintage sign, Tate, Edition of 2,500 £70 (bargain!)
2. Sip tea with Great Modern Artists, featuring David Hockney, Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and Mondrian! Mug, The BALTIC, £9.95
3. The Skateroom have produced a number of artist skateboards. Love this Warhol one, Tate £180
4. Breaking Bad Poster by Needle Design, The BALTIC, £25
5. Velodrome 68 Poster by Deltanova, The BALTIC, £40
6. Bowie Poster by Mike Joyce, The BALTIC, £50 (other music posters include The Smiths, Beastie Boys, Joy Division, Ramones…)

A few ideas for young children:

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1. Ruth Green’s mid century inspired knitted Fox ,Tate £30
2. Brilliant collaboration between artist Olafur Eliasson and engineer Frederik Ottesenwith – a high-quality solar-powered LED lamp, Tate £20
3. Learn about art at breakfast time with Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dali, egg cups, Tate £20
4. Panda Felt Purse, V&A Museum of Childhood, £9
5. Peace Now T-shirt, V&A Museum of Childhood, £12.50

Some lovely ideas for stylish teenagers:

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1. Ceramic Swan ring, National Portrait Gallery, £36
2. Ceramic Cat necklace, National Portrait Gallery, £28
3. Picasso inspired Eye earrings  National Portrait Gallery, £30
4. Revolution tote bag, V&A, £7.50
5. David Shrigley Frisbee, Tate, £19.95
6. David Shrigley, Don’t Touch My Stuff tote, The BALTIC, £21.95
7. Frida Kahlo socks, Tate, £7.50
8. Bob & Roberta Smith Make Art Not War Poster, The BALTIC, Edition 200, £50

Also check out my guest post on Tinker Tailor’s blog featuring my top picks from the brilliant House of Voltaire pop up shop!

Looking for a limited edition print? See this post on buying prints from Museums.