Museum shops we love and what we’d buy there
There is a huge, wonderful array of utterly brilliant museums and galleries across the country–not to forget cultural venues too–that offer something for everyone. Whether you're looking to expand childrens' minds at the Science Museum, soak up some modern art at the Tate or wallow in the moodiness of the Old Masters at the National Gallery, you will absolutely find what you're after. From lesser-known gems like Kettle's Yard to the big hitters like the Royal Academy, museums, galleries and concert halls offer a lot more than just the culture on show: the gift shops are not to be missed. They are excellent places for picking up your next read (Tate Modern is especially good in this respect), Christmas decorations at the right time of year and general trinkets and unusual gifts. Below, we've scoured our favourites to bring you an edit of the best pieces on offer in museum shops right now.
1/24Clapmash fruit tin plate, £6.50, from the Ashmolean.
2/24Blackbird mug, after Mary Fedden's 1992 painting, £13.50, from The Royal Academy.
3/24Five stem cardboard bouquet by Studio Roof, £30, from The Royal Academy
4/24Night and Day plaques by the Modern Souvenir Company, £45, from the Soane Museum.
5/24Veg Garden mini tray by Emma Bridgewater, £6.50, from the Ashmolean.
6/24Queen's corgi egg cup, £25, from The National Portrait Gallery.
7/24Poster from the 1978 Summer Exhibition, unframed, £20, from The Royal Academy.
8/24Yayoi Kusama large soft sculpture pumpkin, £350, from Tate Shop.
9/24Leaves glass jug by Ichendorf Milano, £55, from the V&A.
10/24Omega rug by Duncan Grant, £695, at Charleston.
11/24The Carousel of Animals pop up book, £16.99, from The Royal Academy.
12/24Josef Albers Equivocal 1962 rug, £850, from Tate Shop.
13/24Fish mobile by Livingly, £15, from The Royal Academy.
14/24Patterned wrapping paper, £2.50, from the Design Museum.
15/24Voysey tea towel, £7.50, from the V&A.
16/24Blue and white mug by 1882 Ltd, £16.50, from the V&A.
17/24White tulip vase, £33, from The Royal Academy.
18/24‘Howarth’ cushion by Margo Selby, £60, from Leighton House.
19/24Pack of six rose candles, £14, from The National Portrait Gallery.
20/24‘Sprig’ keepsake box by Cressida Bell, £37.50, at Charleston.
21/24Blue terrazzo plant pot, from £12, from Tate Shop.
22/24Blue column candle, £25, from the Soane Museum.
23/24Large bowl by David Stonehouse, £56, from Kettle’s Yard.
24/24Alvar Aalto white lacquered Stool 60, £200, from Tate Shop.
