The Guards Museum Shop
All purchases support the Museum's mission
Visit our gift shop for a range of gifts inspired by the Guards, our royal and military heritage, and our surroundings in ceremonial London. Pick up a gift for friends and family – we have a curated range of books, children’s gifts, homewares and souvenirs. We’re always adding new products to our range, including seasonal cards, gifts and accessories. Our friendly staff and volunteers are here to help you find the perfect present.
The Guards Museum Gift Shop is based in our reception area, accessed via our main entrance. You can browse without visiting the museum, but we highly recommend taking a look. At this time, we only accept cashless payments.
You can also shop online and ‘click and collect’ your shopping when you visit, and we ship across the UK.
Designed by Esther X The Guards Museum
When and how did you business start?
In early 2017 I joined the Prince's Trust Charity (now the King's Trust) and took part in their Enterprise programme, learning how to run a business, and was partnered with a business mentor.
I wanted to combine my interest of history with drawing, so we came up with the idea of designing souvenirs for museum gift shops.
I launched my business 'Designed by Esther' in November 2017 where I hosted my first product launch at the Historic Dokyard Chatham with three bespoke designs in their gift shop.
How would you describe your designing/ creative style?
I have always been interested in surface pattern designs and floral patterns.
Bright colours, repeat patterns and characterful style of illustration is what I try to bring to each new project.
Working in the heritage sector means each commission is unique in some way, and by capturing those interesting stories brings the designs to life and hopefully resonates with the visitors who purchase them.
What was your first success with your designs?
My first commission, with the Historic Dockyard Chatham, was defintely a huge turning point, it enabled me to speak with other museums about new designs for their gift shop.
However being contacted by the Natural History Museum on London to put together a range for them, that really felt - wow!
It made me realise that people in the industry were recognising my work.
Tell us about your design process from concept to the finished product.
For me it is important to visit the museum first to get an idea of their story. I feel it adds to the design, learning the 'tone of voice' of the museum and who thier customers are, really helps shape what elements go into the design.
All my illustrations start off as a hand drawn image which I then scan to the computer to add the colour and put in the repeat pattern.
Once the full design in completed, I then work on the packaging and how the design fits on each product ready for the gift shop.
How to buy
Shop the full range of products Designed by Esther for the Guards Museum: from postcards to tea towels, from bookmarks to honey.
Products feature the five regiments of Foot Guards, and our favourite artefacts in the Guards Museum.
These products are all exclusive to The Guards Museum and each purhase supports our work.
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