A Celebration of shops - Barnaby Barford's 21st-century Tower of Babel

We just love this amazing artwork for all sorts of reasons - 

Artist Barnaby Barford has cycled over 1000 miles photographing shop facades from each of London’s postcodes,  to create this 6.5-metre tower of London’s shops creating a 21st century 'Tower of Babel'.  A selection of 3,000 of his images were individually fired on to small fine bone china model buildings in Stoke-on-Trent. They spiral heavenbound: from tatty boarded-up off licences, chicken shops, nail bars, dry cleaners and corner mini-marts, through fancy delicatessens, boutiques and chocolatiers; arriving finally at top auction houses and expensive contemporary art galleries.  We are a bit gutted not to be featured in the tower, but plenty of our neighbours are! 

We can't wait to see this artwork to see if we can spot them!
Where would we be in this hierarchy? and what does it say about us as consumers, the changing face and nature of our high streets, and of course the much talked about gentrification of our streets?

All of the tiny models are for sale and the installation is at the V & A until 1st November.

Nominate Now in the Time Out Love London Awards 2015

It’s time, once again, for you – North London’s beautiful, general public – to champion your favourite bits of this part of city that you call home.  Please consider nominating us now here. We were lucky enough last year to be nominated & you all went nuts voting us the best shop in N19!  Read the full list of winners here.  We were genuinely chuffed to bits, and what's more we were in great company - St Johns Tavern won Best Restaurant, The Charlotte Despard best pub and the best cafe accolade  went to Bread and Bean.  But there's loads of new contenders Deli Junction, A Common Thread, Leafy Greens & Cricks Corner!Please vote for your favourite independents! We really enjoyed the taste of success from winning last year, plus we think the shop is even better now! We promise you bring you the best new products on the market to thrill your friends and family this season. PS Our Sale ends Monday 14th Sept try and pop by for a bargain - loyalty points can be collected and spent as normal.

World Beard Day

World Beard Day is all about promoting and elevating the global status of the the beard. Shaving on World Beard Day is universally considered to be highly disrespectful.
Hoping all our hirsute customers enjoyed the privilege?  
On World Beard Day, it is customary for the bearded members of a family to relax and partake in no jobs or chores. The beardless members of the family traditionally show their support by waiting on the bearded hand and foot.

World Beard Day is celebrated annually on an international level with people from every nation and continent gathering together with their beards, it is characterised by the happiness of all people being with their beards and with each other.

http://www.mapgiftshop.com/new-in.html

http://www.mapgiftshop.com/new-in.html

End of Summer Sale starts 1st September - Up to 50% Off

To make some space for the amazing new season lines that are on the way, we are having a Sale.  For 2 weeks only come and grab yourselves a bargain!

Massive discounts on scarves, bags, soaps, notebooks, ceramics with many more items slashed in price...
Loyalty points collected or redeemed as usual!

Teacher's gifts - cheer up the staffroom!

Ceramic Circle

It's always such a pleasure to work with talented people.....but add into that a business that is community led and creative to boot, we were delighted to accept Ceramic Circle's idea to feature in our window!  

We truly hope that they will benefit from the 'on the high street' promotion of their amazing business based at 25 Bertram Street, N19 5DQ. Their team have a wealth of experience working with children and adults in an artistic environment. They are passionate about customer service and endeavour to give visitors a unique and creative experience with a personal touch. They are based inside the Highgate Newtown Community Centre, and aim to offer everyone in the community a fun, safe creative space for children, friends and families to come and enjoy quality time together whilst creating a lasting memento.

And if that isn't just the best - then how about this!  They run an after school club too! They pick up from Brookfield School at 3.30pm!  The Ceramic Circle after school club is suitable from 4 years old and upwards.  The after school clubs are held on Wednesdays 4.00-5.45pm and Thursdays from 4:30-6:15pm call 020 3051 2133 to book a place.
They offer a fun, stimulating and safe environment for your children to design, create and paint their very own masterpieces. This involves traditional hand building techniques with clay and finally painting and decorating their own unique piece.

It's all about the Dads this weekend!

We've gone the extra mile for Fathers Day this year - so we really hope you will too!

For Dads of a certain age there's a little boy who'd love to reminisce!  amuse him with a Dad size subbuteo player bottle opener - just £13.95

Home is where the heart is! For the guy that is proud of where he lives - nothing will beat these fabulous exclusive cuff links - just £15

Treat him like a king and pamper his well groomed beard! Shampoo, conditioner and oil from £19.95

We have literally dozens of ideas to make Dad's smile this year!  From the Bank of Dad, through genius glasses cases & the coolest water bottle around - Chilly's! Best Daddy in Archway! Plus a fantastic range of Cards.  If you have left it this late - pop in!  You won't leave disappointed! 

Happy Fathers Day!