Page 330 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - London

328  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

Gifts and Souvenirs store interior. Asprey sells
updated classics, while Butler
London is a wonderful place to shop for gifts. It boasts an & Wilson specializes in repro-
impressive array of original ceramics, jewellery, perfume and ductions of vintage jewellery
glassware, exotic merchandise from around the world, including and accessories. Nude
jewellery from India and Africa, stationery from Europe and Jewellery London, tucked
away in Mayfair’s Shepherd
kitchenware from France and Italy. The elegant, Regency-period Market, deals mainly in
Burlington Arcade (see p94), the largest of several covered handmade pieces, and Kabiri,
shopping arcades in central London, is known for its high- with a store in Marylebone
quality clothes, antique and new jewellery, leather goods and and a concession in Selfridges,
other items, many of which are made in the UK. It is also a real aims to bring works of
previously unseen jewellery
boon when the famously unpredictable weather turns nasty. designers to London. Assya is
Shops at the big museums, such as the Victoria and Albert a boutique jewellery store
(see pp214–17), the Natural History (see pp206–7) and the selling precious and semi-
Science Museum (see pp210–11), often have unusual items to precious pieces. It is designed
take home as mementoes, while Contemporary Applied Arts as a boudoir, so customers can
and the market in Covent Garden Piazza (see p118) sell a range try on a gorgeous array of
jewellery, have a drink and
of British pottery, knitwear, pictures, clothing and other crafts. relax. The husband and wife
To buy all your gifts under one roof, go to Liberty (see p113), duo Wright & Teague design
where beautiful stock from the world over fills every depart- covetable modern silver
ment, and the classic Liberty prints feature on many goods. and gold charm bracelets and
necklaces, among other things.
The Victoria & Albert
Gift Shops innovative – and in some museum shop sells modern
If the phrase “gift shop” conjures cases surprisingly affordable – replicas of historic British
up images of tacky tourist accessories for home and office designs, as does the shop at the
souvenirs, think again. A number by big design names such as British Museum (see pp128–31).
of interesting shops bringing Arne Jacobsen, Tord Boontje Liberty (see p113) stocks a wide
together a variety of goods and Eames. There are some range of attractive jewellery
under one roof has sprung up wonderfully witty items, such as as well.
in the capital. Eightsq in shoe-shaped shoe brushes and
Spitalfields is a delightful store a doorstop in the form of a
with an irresistible collection figure holding it open. Hats
covering everything from CultureLabel, which works Traditional men’s headgear,
elegant furniture to interesting with a plethora of museums from flat caps to trilbies and
accessories. Best sellers include and galleries, sells an eclectic top hats, can be found at
hand-painted furniture, organic range of items. House of Edward Bates. Venerable
cotton baby clothes and tote Hackney, though specializing hatter Lock & Co, founded in
bags. A short walk away, Story, in clothes and interiors, has a 1676, caters for both men and
in a beautifully preserved great range of traditional British women, while Swaine Adeney
18th-century residential street, items perfect for gifts. Brigg sells hats by Herbert
looks more like a gallery Johnson, who specializes
space than a shop. It has an Jewellery in military wear.
eclectic mix of items, including Philip Treacy is Britain’s
vintage dresses, organic bath There are styles to suit every most celebrated milliner and
products and modern and taste, from the fine traditional his fabulous creations are on
classic furnishings. jewellery found in the exclusive display at his shop on Elizabeth
Across town in Notting Hill, shops of Bond Street to Street and in upmarket
Brissi is a lovely emporium unusual pieces by independent department stores. Established
kitted out with beautifully designers in areas like Covent name Stephen Jones also
crafted household items, Garden (see pp114–23), Gabriel’s has some very eye-catching
including elegant furniture and Wharf (see p195) and Camden styles, while Jane Taylor’s
lamps, stylish mirrors and Lock (see pp335–6). Antique beautifully made designs
lighting. It also stocks fashion jewellery can be found in range from cute cloches to
accessories for women, such as Hatton Garden and the Silver extravagant Ascot confections.
sun hats, tote bags and flip- Vaults (see p145). The Crown Fred Bare’s funky, affordable
flops in summer. Jeweller, Garrard, in Albemarle designs can be bought on
The Design Museum Shop Street, has been designing Columbia Road on Sundays
is a museum gift shop with a jewellery since 1735. Be warned, when the weekly flower market
difference. It stocks Post- the spectacular creations have is in bloom, or from high-end
Modern toys, games and price tags to match the plush department stores.

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