Shopping in London: V&A shop

Over the past couple of years I’ve posted quite a lot about my favourite bits and pieces from various London museums and galleries, but I’ve never delved into any great detail about the actual shops themselves. So naturally, that’s about to change…

It’s a given that any gallery-goer’s journey will end in the designated shop space – in fact their presence (and the promise of a toy dinosaur) has been used as the proverbial dangling carrot to get many a child through the tedium of an exhibition itself. But some of the world’s greatest and most-loved museums and galleries (New York’s MoMA, London’s Tate Modern, Design Museum and the V&A) have evolved in such a way that their shops are a retail (and tourist) destination in their own right.

I must confess that I’ve been guilty, on more than one occasion, of making a specific gift-buying dash to the V&A shop, without so much as a peep in at any of the permanent collection galleries (I know, shameful behaviour!). But that’s because the V&A, in particular, offers up an expertly-edited line-up of gifts, accessories, books and children’s toys – all perfect candidates for being packaged up and sent away to friends and family far away.

There's also a dedicated bookshop, with subjects spanning the worlds of design, art, fashion, textiles, jewellery, photography and architecture. And they always have an extensive range of the most gorgeous cards:

The website is also an excellent source for all manner of design-led products and accessories, and autumn/winter’s new collection has just arrived online. I’m loving the cherry brooch by Francoise Montague, squirrel ring box by Jonathan Adler, and chirpy cicada brooch.

There's also a really lovely selection of luxe hairbands and headpieces, like this little pleated beauty ...

The shop is also particularly good when it comes to accessing a clever range of kids’ toys, games and activities, starting at pocket-money prices. I’m particularly fond of the vintage-style wind-up tin toys, like this circus elephant, and these Clifford Richards cat and fairy notebooks.

The V&A also have a brilliant prints service, where you can order any print from their vast collection in the size, format and paper of your choice.

Also keep an eye out for pieces from the Cherry on a Cake collection, a brilliant line of limited edition designer collaborations, making them perfect (read: non-crap) souvenirs for tourists and London newcomers alike. Inspired by the museum’s extensive collections, you can take your pick from a stunning Grayson Perry doll (at a super-cool £4000, wow) or a Concise Book of Patterns necklace by Comfort Station. Art and history has never been so wearable.

The V&A Shop
Victoria and Albert Museum
Cromwell Road
London SW7 2RL
Tel. 020 7942 2687
Nearest tube: South Kensington
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday 10am-5.30pm
Late night every Friday until 9.45pm

Comments

[Make Do Style]

I too am guilty of shop popping at the V&A rather than exhibit gazing!

[Esther Coombs]

Great post, I used to work at the V&A, they are the nicest people, the shop is fab! So super cool! I've done a little drawing of some of the V&A on some of my work if you would like to see?
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26594275

[Gourmet Chick]

Love the V&A shop and your post has mad me think that I really should stroll over there soon

[Mrs Trefusis]

Oh, you're so right. The V&A shop is a thing of staggering beauty, and never fails to make me part with my money. I don't know who does the buying, but it's immensely intelligent:all the things you'd expect and crave, and a whole load of other stuff you never even knew about, but now you've seen it, you want it. Shop heaven.

[Marie]

It really is wonderful isn't it? And definitely good enough as a stand alone shop without the museum. I must remember it next time I'm thinking of gifts!

[miss cavendish]

Ahh--when I was there last I bought cards upon cards. I'm still taking them out of my drawer for a mini gallery tour . . .

[dee]

We were here a few weeks ago and loved it.

[Delicious Industries]

It's ages since I've been to the V&A, looks like I need to take trip down there. Really liking the cherries brooch!

[Polly R]

Ahh I LOVE the V&A shop. My friend and I went to the V&A recently, but actually spent more time in the shop than the museum. They have lovely lettering and stamps there that I adore. We then went to Hummingbird Bakery which is just around the corner. How very educational of us! xx

[the likkle girl who wurves pwetty things]

I guess I'm a child then. I love going to art galleries/museums but not so much the museum-museums which the boyfriend likes so he uses a visit to the shops as baits. x

[Sam]

Heaven! I still have a lot of nick nacks I've bought from the V & A over the years - especially post cards - I've got a heap of them!!

[Deb]

Great post, I love the V&A too, although it's been a long time since I went there. I shop online now.
Have you heard about the new "culture store" which went live in mid-July? I wrote about it on my blog today:

http://kickcanandconkers.blogspot.com/2009/08/culture-vultures.html

It aims to bring together artist-designed products from museums, galleries and cultural institutions all over the UK, then Europe and eventually the rest of the world. Quite a trawl but some fab, original stuff!