10 Christmas gifts ideas by North West artists
This week: Let your festive shopping support NW artists, Lux Muralis at Liverpool Cathedral, memories of Granada TV at the Portico, Halima Cassell at Blackwell
Apologies that this edition is a few days late. I was away at the weekend and had over-estimated the Premier Inn’s wifi strength, and there was no phone signal either. I’m glad to say though that I didn’t overestimate the strength of the RSC’s The Box of Delights, which was magical and well worth booking if you’re planning a festive trip outside the North West. If, like me, you remember being captivated by the BBC TV version, then you’ll appreciate how special it was. Time, tide and buttered eggs wait for no man. Now on the main event….
Supporting artists is not just for Christmas, but it’s as good a time as any to shop local for unique, thoughtful presents that your loved ones are unlikely to stick straight in the re-gifting drawer. With that in mind, here are XX gifts by North West artists and makers, as well as suggestions of where you can find many more. And if my husband happens to be reading this and is feeling generous then he knows where to click.
Persian silver earrings by Pivot, £60
The Whitworth’s shop has many items by local artists that would make great gifts in here but my eye was caught by these fab earrings by Pivot, a social enterprise empowering people experiencing homelessness with skills and paid employment. The bottle opening keyring is £12 and they do a range of Christmas decorations for £16.
An Artist’s Guide to Liverpool, Chester and The Wirral by Andrew Macdonald and Ian Fennelly, £5
Wirral writer Andrew Macdonald attempts to separate facts from fiction in this guide-with-a-difference, illustrated by Ian Fennelly. It is one of the many gift suggestions in National Museums Liverpool’s online shop. And they’ve ene provided a handy gift guide.
2024 calendar by Dick Vincent, £20
Dick Vincent’s work is a wonderful mixture of funny and thought-provoking. I have his David Hockney print on the wall of my home office, where it makes me smile every day as I sit down to work. But it’s is his calendar that’s the biggest hit in our house, where it’s my six-year-old son’s job to turn the page on the first of every month and spot the fox that features in every picture. Many of his illustrations are based on folk traditions, which are something I find endlessly fascinating.
Tapestry Scarf by RubyKite, from £65
Designer-printmaker Tamara Williams creates contemporary mixed media paintings, intaglio and relief prints on cast plaster; which she then uses to print on silk and cashmere scarves. Find them at the Bluecoat Display Centre in Liverpool, where their Winter Exhibition features a large selection of handmade gifts.
Loud and Proud by David Pooley, from £35
Cumbrian artist David Pooley’s work pictures the wildlife and landscape of his home county in a variety of media including pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, pastel and acrylics. His cheeky robin looks traditional but I’m almost certain he’s belting out Wham!
Santa Hat Bee Ceramic Decoration, £8.50
Manchester’s iconic worker bee is getting in the festive spirit on this hexagonal tree decoration available at Uniquely Manchester, where you can find everything from Dave’s Doodle Maps of different spots around Greater Manchester to art photos of the city.
A Gay in a Manger card by Sophie Green, £3 or £12 for 5
This was Liverpool artist Sophie Green’s best-selling card this week and it’s just one of the selection of Christmas cards available on her website.
Forton Services T-Shirt, £22
This space age service station might have seen better days but it has a special place in the heart of anyone who appreciates modernist architecture. Sales of this T-shirt support the work of The Modernist Society and it’s also available in other designs - Preston Bus Station and Hulme Crescents among them. If you’re a fan of service stations then you should also check out Jen Orpin’s atmospheric paintings.
Mann Island by Caroline Race, from £140
Dot-Art’s annual Liverpool Collection has become known for being a good source of Christmas presents for art lovers. This year’s includes painter and printmaker Caroline Race’s Japanese kozo paper lithographs of city landmarks.
Hand-painted ceramic bauble by Jessica Slack, £20
These delicate baubles are hand-painted to order by Liverpool artist Jessica Slack, whose work is inspired by colour and nature.
We’re Also Buzzing About…
The Light Before Christmas - Manger: Liverpool Cathedral’s magnificent Gothic interior has become a canvas for a sequence of dazzling light and sound artworks. Lux Muralis’ immersive experience takes you through the Nativity story. Until December 8, adults £9, children aged 3-16 £6.60, family ticket £26. Details here
Halima Cassell: The sculptor will be taking visitors on a tour of her exhibition Reflections at Blackwell Arts and Crafts House on December 9, with a demonstration of her sculpting techniques on December 10. More here.
Granada in the North - ‘What Manchester sees today, London will see eventually’: A talk by oral historians Stephen Kelly and Judith Jones, whose Granadaland project has collected the memories of more than100 former Granada employees. Portico Library, Manchester, tickets £5 or pay what you can afford.
Thank you for reading Stored Honey. If you would like to share your take on any arts events in the North West please get in touch on X/Twitter, in the comments or you by dropping me a line at tostoredhoney@gmail.com.
Have a great week,
Laura
