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 Huntley & Palmers Range

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 tote bags, coasters and mugs, so be sure to come and have a look soon!

Huntley & Palmers Reading Biscuits packaging images on placemats, coaster and tote bag

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.

All shop purchases support The MERL’s activities and programming.

If you’d like to support us with a donation, you can now do so online via our online donations page! Thank you!