The MERL gift shop
No museum visit is complete without a browse in the gift shop. At The MERL, we are delighted to offer a choice range of cards, gifts and treats, inspired by the themes of our galleries, collection and rural history. So whether it’s a little something for the kids, or a souvenir to remember your visit, we’re sure there’s something for you.
‘MERLchandise’
We’re delighted to stock an exclusive range of products, including mugs, t-shirts, tote bags and tea towels, developed in partnership with Heritage Digital and Art UK, featuring the famous ‘Absolute Unit’, archive images, popular livestock paintings and a range featuring details from the Kent and Cheshire wall-hangings by Michael O’Connell – including some new designs just in featuring cows and tractors! Come and see a selection in the gift shop or buy online!
New for Christmas 2022
To round off our celebration of Reading Biscuit Town 200, we have developed a beautiful new range of products inspired by the bright and colourful Huntley & Palmers packaging designs held in the archives at the University. They’re exclusive to our Gift Shop, and include some wonderfully festive designs on tote bags, coasters and mugs, so be sure to come and have a look soon!
Thank you to everyone who came to our MERLY Christmas Shopping event on Sunday 27th November! We had a lovely time. Don’t worry if you couldn’t make it, there’s still plenty of time to drop in and discover our full Christmas range. We even have a small selection of cheese left! Read more about our Christmas in the gift shop in the latest blog from the shop team
THE MERL MAKERS
The MERL gift shop also features handmade products created by local and regional artists and makers, as well as our own very talented staff.
Currently, shoppers can enjoy knitted and crocheted handmade Christmas decorations by the Museum’s ‘Mewes Knitters’ group.
CARD AND CONTACTLESS PAYMENTS PREFERRED
University of Reading staff and students can us their Campus Cards to make payments in our gift shop and café.
We offer a discount of 10% to University of Reading students and The MERL volunteers.