January Product Launch - Sort yourself out!

January is a time for sorting stuff out right?  We've been sourcing new products that  will undoubtedly help focus priorities. Here's a quick round up of early product launches. 

The perfect city rucksack?...look no further, we have found it! Lightweight, protective and protected, comfortable, stylish and available in 6 cool colours - a way to carry your stuff simply.  Introducing the Bantry C Bag by Roka London.

Do you have loads of great photos just waiting to be framed up and enjoyed?  One of my January resolutions is to get proactive and enjoy our fab family photos!  We have 2 new ranges of frames 'Prism' and 'Edge' which are stylish, well priced and great quality.  Great wedding gifts too......it's time to get your family framed!

We couldn't resist the 'Skyline Multi Hook' use as a coat hanger or enjoy the simple skyline statement.

1.  Bantry Bag C in Mustard £58.95
2.  Bantry Bag C in Hot Pink £58.95
3.  Bantry Bag C in Graphite £58.95
4.  Prism 10 x 8 Photo Frame £26.95
5.  Prism 4 x4 Photo Frame £10.95
6.  Edge Multi Frame in Natural Wood £53.95
7.  Bantry Bag C in Black £58.95
8.  Skyline Wall Multi Hook £26.50

Kitsch, witty and often surreal - Alijoe Designs

Any Archway diehards may remember the days of our old shop/design studio (down Junction Road, currently La Belle Vie) and Map's first manufacturing manifestation. We hand-made decorated china and glass for prestigious stores around the world.  It was a business we progressed into what is now our renowned retail space, but it's a business we feel fondly nostalgic about!

I stumbled upon Alijoe Designs in the wonderful world of Instagram.  I felt like I had fallen back through time, down an Alice in Wonderland rabbit hole!  Here is a lady whose influences are very obviously close to our own, her designs are quirky, witty and even surreal.  She has just launched a range called 'Desserts are on me'.  

In addition she creates vintage pieces, she resurrects old and dusty china plates by transforming them with quirky makeovers. Often surreal, sometimes kitsch and always witty, the original, whimsical designs give a sought after contemporary twist to the classic, decorative plate often working in pairs - see below 'wine on tap' and 'spider to catch a fly' these items are guaranteed to be a talking point and to raise a smile when displayed on a wall.

We're really thrilled to be one of Alijoe's first stockists.  We love supporting local Artists plus her designs are the centre piece of our new season 'Fornescetti inspired' collection including this brand new range from Chase and Wonder.

A touching post script to this story - we obviously waxed lyrical to Debbie about the old days and we described some of our signature designs that had made our name.....(way back in about 1995).  A few weeks later she emailed me - "I was clearing out a cupboard a few weeks ago and coincidentally came across these two plates - I knew they were familiar when you talked about them, so clearly we were destined to meet!"

Stylish and surreal -I think these plates still look good more than 22 years since they were made.

map gift shop goes crackers!

One of my favourite new ranges this season is this range of Crackers by Retro Toy Company - Ridley's with bold graphics and great packaging!  This fun product makes a great gift or fun packed table decoration for your big day.  But what's inside I hear you shout?  None of the usual toot that is for sure! 

Magic Party Crackers - Get ready to be thrilled and amazed.  This set of six crackers contains one of the following mind-blowing tricks - the magic cup, cut the rope, 3 balls return, magic cards, exploding dice trick, wonderful dice trick.

Balloon Modelling Crackers - With a little twist here, and a little squeak there, have hours of endless fun with these Ridley's balloon modelling party crackers. Complete with hand pump, this kit contains 36 modelling balloons, six crackers and eye stickers to bring your creations to life.

Animal Safari Theatre - Each cracker contains a hat, snap, motto and animal to take on an adventure! Make your own animal puppets with a set of Safari Theatre Crackers. The 6 puppets each have their own character profile & exciting tale and are ready to be taken on an adventure! Let them explore the theatre and use the beautiful African sunset backdrop to set the scene.

{Your name} "in Lights"

We love these lights - inspired by our own map gift shop signage, we sourced these stylish Carnival Lights, finished in rust or industrial steel - these really do make a stunning statement in any room!

Keep it simple with these iconic symbols....

Or go the extra mile and spell out a message....please call the shop 020 7687 4005 to check availability.