Not many people will admit to this, but sometimes the museum gift shop is the highlight of my visit and in rare cases, it outshines the actual exhibitions.
Culturelabel.com brings together the best of the UK’s design, museum and gallery shops and stocks them on one pretty, easy-to-use website.
The prestigious art, design and cultural outlets featured include Beyond The Valley, Cockpit Arts, Glasgow Print Studio, IKON, Jaguarshoes Collective, Tate, Royal Academy of Arts, V&A and Whitechapel Gallery.
The Culturelabel.com Autumn/Winter 2010 collection includes some unique, creative homeware, art and books, but my favourite range has to be their covetable range of jewellery and accessories.
This handmade silver leatherette ruched necklace (£40) by designer Jessica Dance is affordable, well-crafted and will perk up any outfit. Jessica won the Graduate Fashion Week Creative Marketing Award and was a runner-up for the Mulberry Accessories Award.
Another must-have piece is Deptford jeweller Hannah Bedford’s ‘Granules’ Ring (£120) made from oxidised silver with 18ct gold.
At the recent press day, this adorable Techni Colour Pansy Bracelet (£29) by Cheri caught my eye. It features Victoria illustration printed on to plastic with tiny orange and pink pompons, tied with soft felt.
If you’re after real investment jewellery, another new arrival is this stunning Turquoise Lucite ‘Ikat’ Bracelet (£450) by New York designer Alexis Bittar from V&A Shop.
Hand-painted and sculpted from Lucite, Alexis Bittar’s work is inspired by elegant, turn-of-the-century pieces and bold, jewel tones.
To see more of the new collections from the featured museum and gallery shops, visit www.culturelabel.com