Frida-mania

London is in thrall to the cult of Frida Kahlo (1907-1954), in anticipation of a major show opening at the V&A on June 16th. 

Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up 

In 1954, following her death, Frida Kahlo's possessions were locked away in the Casa Azul (Blue House) in Mexico City, her lifelong home on instruction from her husband Diego Rivera that they remain concealed in one of the bathrooms for at least 15 years. Half a century later her collection of clothing, jewellery, cosmetics and other personal items was re-discovered.  Experience a fresh perspective on Kahlo's compelling life story through her most intimate personal belongings, decorated corsets, outfits, jewellery, letters, photos and medicines. Kahlo’s preferred lipstick was Revlon’s Everything’s Rosy, and her Ebony eye pencil is still in its wrapper.

Kahlo's powerful style is as integral to her myth as her paintings.  It is her construction of identity through her ethnicity, her disability, her political beliefs, her rejection of gender orthodoxy as well as her art that makes her such a compelling and relevant icon today.  People continue to want to have a little piece of her in their lives and it is the unflinching gaze of the Artist’s self-portraits that have been a gift to merchandisers.


We literally cannot wait.  Here's a little preview of our ever growing Frida Collection.

1.  Frida Kahlo - Making Her Self Up £35.00
2.  Frida Kahlo Flower Earrings by Diana Wilson £39.95
3.  Frida Necklace by Diana Wilson £120.00
4.  Frida Cushion by Diana Wilson £69.95
5.  Frida Cushion by Diana Wilson £69.95
6.  Peacock Glasses Case £12.50
7.  Frida Cushion by Diana Wilson £69.95
8.  Frida & Thorns Notebook £10.50
9.  Frida & Flowers Notebook £10.50
10.Frida Soap £3.95
11.Frida Crewel Work Cushion £46.00
12.Frida Dreams Mug £12.95

April Product Launch - Four New Fridas & Yvonne Ellen China

Hooray.......we are absolutely delighted to announce the arrival of 4 new Frida in the form of Crewel Work Cushions.  These Fairtrade cushions are hand-made in Moradabad by a team of mostly women. Their motto is "talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships". It is important to us to know that the workers are provided with regular health check ups, bonuses, conveyance allowances and provident funds towards their pensions.  We literally cannot get enough of them, since they are made by hand their output is limited and we are therefore permanently on a waiting list for further supplies - get them while stock lasts!

Back in stock this month by popular demand are the bright and colourful leather wallets from Golunski.  Made in the UK from premium quality leather they really do make spending money a joy.

We have also launched a quirky range of ceramics and giftware by London Designer Yvonne Ellen her 'Birds of a Feather' range - feature beautifully illustrated unexpected juxtapositions of animals and birds.  Each item is hand-finished with gold detailing and comes gift packaged in a hat box style box, making them an ideal gift for someone special.

In other exciting news we had a mini refub over the Easter weekend so we'd love you to pop by and let us know what you think of our new displays.  

We have an important favour to ask - we are working really hard to raise our Google rankings, to spread the Map Gift Shop love further around the world (in a sort of David versus Goliath way) - if you love what we do please consider writing us a review.  A few words here would mean an awful lot to us.

1.  Religious Frida Cushion £46.00  2.  Frida with Cat Cushion £46.00  3.  Frida with Horns Cushion £46.00  4.  Frida with Bird Cushion £46.00  5.  Leather Wallet £35.00  6.  G and Tea Cup £22.95  7.  Leather Card Holder £23.50  8.  Yvonne Ellen Tea Pot £52.50  9.  Yvonne Ellen Zebra Tea Cup & Saucer £23.50  10.  Flamingo Tea for One Pot and Cup £52.50  11.  Yvonne Ellen Elephant Tea Cup & Saucer £23.50