Christmas- ification

mapgiftshop.com

The tingle of christmas is tangible at map gift shop....the elves have been busy gathering precious things since February and at last the opportunity to fill the shop with beautiful decorations has arrived -  the Christmas Windows is complete! Ta Dah! 

Thank you so much to Dylan Collard for these amazing photos.

Photograph Dylan Collard

We have 5 themes for you this year:-

Vintage Retro:

Memories of  comic book heroes - these glass decorations are very special and will be treasured for years.  Glass decorations with extraordinary hand painted details.

Woodland Animals, Owls, Squirrels, Hedgehogs, Rabbits and ..........Bears? 

Especially good for children - these are not so fragile plastic discs are filled with fluff & stuff and felt decorated animals.

Winter Fruits - beautiful hand painted glass baubles, hearts,birds apples and pears.

........and finally dreaming of a white christmas, the very best traditional fairies and satin white contemporary baubles, crystals, snowflakes and icicles.

Photograph by Dylan Collard

Photograph by Dylan Collard

Paradise Lost? - 8pm Friday 18 and Saturday 19 October

www.mapgiftshop.com

Archway Tower will be the backdrop for the aerial theatre company Scarabeus when they perform their new work ‘Paradise Lost?’ this week.

Aerial artists will be attached to the tower by wires and scale the heights of the 195-foot tall, 16-storey building. The performance will feature a soundtrack and video projections and draws on the history of the iconic site and the people who live in Archway.

Daniela Essart, Scarabeus artistic director, said: “As an artist, I’m inspired on a daily basis by Archway and its people and history. The Archway Tower and its surrounding area has a particularly fascinating story to tell.

Mexican Orchid House in the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries
© The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Between 1854 -1897 Benjamin Samuel Williams cultivated rare and exotic orchids at the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries where the Archway Tower now stands. Later there was The Electric Cinema and Chivers Jam Warehouse.  I remember when I first moved to London in the 80's (taking advantage of the Enterprise Allowance Scheme) I sat in line in appalling conditions when  Archway Tower was home to the DHSS.  In 1985 Jeremy Corbyn MP said "Archway tower is a huge building.  The best that one can say about it is that the view from the staff canteen on the top floor is probably the best in London".

Dave Sinclair 

Archway Tower DHSS c1985

Archway Tower was also  the inspiration for New Model Army and their track of the same name "Archway Towers" in 1989.  Justin Sullivan, describes it as "nightmarish closing track". At no 28 in the top 100 London Songs Timeout wrote: An alternative landmark for the dispossessed Junction Road’s famous gravestone-shaped office block – former home to the Department of Social Security – inspired this cheery ditty by the Yorkshire grebos which seems to compare drawing the dole with collecting meds at an unsupervised institution for the criminally deranged. ‘It’s open season on the weak and feeble,’ they growl. ‘There’s bulletproof glass in case there’s trouble’.

Paradise Lost? is an extraordinary site-specific aerial theatre work that draws on the history of this place and the people of Archway to tell an intimate story of love, loss and hope against this epic backdrop. The performance of Paradise Lost? has been commissioned by the arts-led regeneration project A Million Minutes, and funded by Islington Council.

Scarabeus will perform Paradise Lost? from 8pm-8.30pm on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 October and residents are invited to gather on the pavement to watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n4XOd9Z9RQ

Update after the event:

I am still mesmerised  by the show and the universal delight in the whole spectacle.  Scarabeus made such an impact and I really feel that Archway is a richer place for it!

Islington Tribune:Letters: Towering piece of art

Published: 25 October, 2013

• A WEEK after the performance of Paradise Lost on Archway Tower, its breathtaking beauty is still bubbling up in my thoughts and warming my heart.

Over many years of disliking the tower I have become quite good at “tuning it out”.

I never imagined that a work of art would change everything. Now I look up at it with memories and emotions so potent I can’t imagine them going away.

I think we all fell in love a bit that evening on Archway’s pavements – art love – and Paradise Lost truly changed our landscape forever.  

Art really does have the power to transform and bind a neighbourhood. 

Here’s hoping that Islington's brave decision to award regeneration funds to this project will get the praise it deserves and herald more of the same. 

STEPHANIE SMITH

N19

Some of the comments tweeted are below!

Robert Heard ‏@RobertEHeard19 Oct

@scarabeusaerial What an amazing show! Delighted to be an #Archway resident and feel privileged to have seen this! @N19Archway

Christy Lawrance ‏@NorthviewN719 Oct

Amazing @scarabeusaerial performer at #archway tower http://tinyurl.com/njjyfqt  @mapgiftshop @N19Archway @ginhkx @hollowaylife @HollowayGossip

Kate Henderson ‏@KateTCPA18 Oct

Never thought I'd describe Archway Tower as beautiful & elegant! Amazing performance by @scarabeusaerial tonight @N19Archway @archwaytower

 Retweeted by ArchwayN19

David O'Malley Art ‏@DavidOM_Artist18 Oct

Stunning transformation of #archwaytower tonight. The place somehow felt like NYC. Bustled with amazed onlookers pic.twitter.com/pMYEZZjTD9

Kaya Schwartz ‏@KayaJunction18 Oct

This is breathe taking!! @archwaylondon @N19Archway

Laura Dekker ‏@LauraDekker_io18 Oct

Dazzlingly beautiful performance from @scarabeusaerial this evening @N19archway. Man next to me in the crowd asked me to say THANKYOU to u!

Halloween - Love it or Hate it?

www.mapgiftshop.com

Trick or Treating: Kids really love Halloween - and they love being able to dress up like little monsters, it's also a really fun opportunity for enthusiastic mums and dads to throw a themed party with some great spooky treats, but for everyone else - I guess it's a bit of a non event right?  I recall those pre-children days that by the 3rd sound of the doorbell ringing, I was totally over greeting the "little monsters", and enduring at best their disappointed faces at no treats in store or at worst their menacing shouts of "we'll take cash instead" so my solution was to turn all the lights out and pretend I too was out reveling! But now I'm out there ringing doorbells with the cute "little monsters" (or more likely skulking out of sight!) and I am prepared with bucket loads of cheap chocolate, light up lollies and plastic rats as rewards for their dress up efforts! 

Pumpkins: Perhaps I have made a bit of a rod for my own back as last years efforts were rather successful (I'm sure you'll agree???) Will yours be better?  Perhaps we should have a competition!  Just a tip for all those not in the know - there are rules now - no pumpkin should mean don't ring here......if I had known that then - I would have put a note up saying "can you see a pumpkin here? no? then don't ring bell!"

Pumpkins 2012

Pumpkins 2013 - What do you think?

At map gift shop this year it's our chance also to be a little self indulgent by celebrating the Day of the Dead with some fantastic new products - I love the art of Dia de los Meurtos so when one of our suppliers introduced a new range we were straight on it!  We are obviously not alone in this as the "Day of the Dead" Embroidered Cushion particularly is proving surprisingly popular!

A selection of Halloween and Day of the Dead Products

Skull Cushion £27.50

Sequin and Lace Cat Mask £15.50

Add a little glamour - sequin bat mask - £3.95

Cute Little Pumpkin £3.95

Set of 5 Masks £8.95

Having a Party: These masks are great fun soft and easy to wear and at £8.95 for 5 it's a good deal too!  These (easy to apply) glitter sparkly tattoos add glamour to any outfit - Get creative! Have fun!

Great Spooky Glitter Tattoos £3.50

And if all this spooky stuff is just too much for your little ones - and sometimes it is a little overwhelming cuddle up with "Casper the Cat"

Casper £14.95

ArchWay with Words

We're really enjoying the prospect of the spotlight being on Archway next week as Archway's first literary festival hits loads of venues around Archway. For anyone who has failed to notice all the excitement - Archway has a new 8 day literary spectacular with superstar Authors & Wordsmiths which is to be hosted throughout Archway. ArchWay with words kicks off this Saturday 21st September "Super Saturday", with an all day event on Archway Close (Archway Island). Archway Methodist Hall is hosting an afternoon of fascinating talks and readings and is featuring local Author Caitlin Davies, her recent book 'Camden Lock and the Market' (did I mention it features a very young Ian Morris?) is on sale here together with her book Taking the Waters' '.

The Festival has an imaginative and eclectic line up and features events as diverse as an evening of performances by Jah Wobble to a quiz about books, film quotes and songs at our neighbours the Oak and Pastor, my particular favourite idea, is the flash mob singing Wuthering Heights outside the Post Office (I do so hope someone takes a good video!) See the ArchWay with words website for the full line up! Or pop into the shop for a copy of the Event Listings Programme! You can also buy tickets here!

We have entered into the spirit of all things literary and sourced some quirky products to help celebrate this event.

These fun board books for kids are a great gift at 5.99! Wuthering Heights is a first book about the weather and Pride and Predjudice a first counting book!

We have literary jewellery by Scribilicious

A journal and Diary

And many more products in store- come and have a look!

The festival was commissioned by the Archway Town Centre Group (ATCG) and funded by Islington Council and ‘Word 2013′. It has had some great press - have a click to read,

Archway gets a new literary festival - The Londonist
Archway with words - The Kentishtowner
Read all about it - Archway's first book festival - The Islington Tribune
Literary Festivals head to head - Timeout

Ich Bin Kentishtowner: Ian Morris, co-owner, Map Gift Shop

‘The worst thing anyone’s said to me? Are you retiring soon?’

KentishtownerTuesday 10 September 2013Q&A

Ian Morris: ‘What makes me unhappy? Retail in August.’

Having worked through the 80s as a textile designer producing hand-printed fabrics for the fashion industry, Ian Morris established Map in 1990 with Kathryn Phalp. Venturing into the world of decorated china and glass, Map developed an international reputation from their studio/shop on Junction Road. In 2000 they moved to new premises and began to concentrate on retail, with Kathryn producing one-off pieces of jewellery, and Ian continuing to make original pieces of artwork in sandblasted and handpainted glass. He’s currently putting the final touches on a quirky new Archway-inspired product range which will be in store soon.

When were you happiest? 
The first day we opened the shop in Junction Road: really stressful, but rewarding.

Where would you like to live?
In Archway Tower: best view in north London.

What is your favourite sound or smell?
The smell of a good Sunday lunch wafting into the shop from the St John’s Tavern across the road.

‘The best view in north London?’

What is your greatest life achievement?
That Kathryn and I have managed to run such a successful business for over 20 years.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Don’t judge a gift by its price.

What is your earliest K-Town memory?
Cycling through Kentish Town at 1am and ‘experiencing’ the nightlife of 80s London; it was quite a thing for a country boy.

What makes you unhappy?
Retail in August.

What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
More sunshine.

What is your most unappealing habit?
Talking about the weather… all the time!

What is your guilty pleasure?Asking customers to get me a hot chocolate from the Bread & Bean.

Who or what do you hate and why?
People with narrow minds.

The shop on Junction Road

Best and worst experiences in the neighbourhood?
Best: turning shop customers into friends. Worst: doing Camden market in the 80s when all it did was rain.

What’s the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
“Are you retiring soon?”

Tell us a secret.
I’m not naturally this tanned.

What has your career taught you?
Think about it overnight.

What is your favourite dish and why?
A cheese platter from Truffles in York Rise.

What did you do today? 
Wrapped gifts and talked about the weather.

Describe yourself as an animal.
I’ve never really thought about what I’m most like, but I was once described as a brown bear.

Have a listen to Ian talking about the Archway Shopfront Scheme

Ian Morris talking about Archway's Shopfront Scheme

www.mapgiftshop.com

Shops and business in Archway are being given a brand new look as part of a £2 million regeneration package from Islington Council. Work is underway to transform up to 18 old shopfronts, including a gift shop, café and tailor to make Archway town centre more attractive for residents and visitors alike. Among the first shopfronts to be finished was Map Gift Shop in Junction Road, which is also celebrating its 20-year opening anniversary this year. Islington-based Lyndon Goode Architects worked closely with shopkeepers and the council to develop the shopfront designs.

archway-podcast

Feeling a little Autumnal?

Wow what a summer that was!

Brrrr........It has turned Autumnal overnight - exciting times at map gift shop as we are hitting the shows to source the absolute best gifts and products for the season ahead - is it too early to mention Christmas? (yes I think it probably is!)

Forest Friends continues to be a big theme and with new products on their way soon.......

We love this adorable new range from Magpie designed by Nicky Sloane and it fits perfectly with our Autumn 2013 collection.

Textiles are also close to our hearts and this range designed by Textile Designer Carola Van Dyke also captured our imagination.  With an eclectic mix of vintage and modern fabrics her "paintings with fabrics" have been interpreted by magpie to produce this nostalgic range on ceramics. 

Back in store with new designs following soon - these handmade felted slippers and throws - our favourites are Finlay fox and Billy badger!

Cosy up with these fabulous cushions in ditsy vintage fabrics.

We are also looking forward to featuring this little chap..........

Hedgehog Cushion £29.95

recently voted as the "National Species for Britian"  We are on the look out for prickly products to form an "Array of Hedgehogs" (don't you just love those collective nouns) following on from our "Skulk of Foxes" and "Parliament of Owls" see these collections on Pinterest.

Update:  27/09/13

He's here.......Hedgehog cushions joins his woodland friends in our Autumnal Window....stop by this weekend for a look!