Saturday, November 26, 2011

CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL ONLINE SHOP

Yesterday, Ann V. suggested that shopping at the Canterbury Cathedral Gift Shop (or should that be 'Shoppe'?) might be an alternative to the crowds and crush on Black Friday. Alas, Black Friday has come and gone, but those of us here in the US have until December 9 to assure delivery of purchases from the gift shop before Christmas.

As usual click on the images for the larger view.

 
The pendant and earrings are attractiuve, indeed, but I'm a bit doubtful about the cufflinks with pictures of the cathedral. I don't see many men wearing cufflinks today, but perhaps I travel in the wrong circles. Here's the link to the page to purchase the items.

 
Ho, ho, ho! It's St Nicolas! And Archbishop Rowan! The idea of having stuffed figures of Rowan hanging on Christmas trees throughout the world seems a bit strange, but what do I know? In truth, but for the length of the beards, St Nick and Rowan look very much alike. The ornamental figure of the Archbishop of York is available, too.

Shop away, my lovelies!

14 comments:

  1. I'm in Canterbury, and the Cathedral gift shop is overpriced and expensive.

    Lots of the stuff is not of the best quality either.

    Better shopping in the local shops outside the Cathedral Precints.

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  2. UKViewer, thanks for the tip.

    I posted half in jest because of my amusement at the figures of the two archbishops and because of Rowan's likeness to St Nick.

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  3. I think the one in yellow is Rowan. I am reminded of the Youtube about the Covenant in which Bishop Yellowbelly has conversation with Miss Ordinary Person. I will search and share.

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  4. Oh yes, it was between him and Miss Young Person. . .
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGbt7TyOfFs&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

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  5. I purchased a Canterbury cross (silver with chain) online last year and thought it was reasonably priced and good quality. I can't speak for all the merchandise though, since I'm not in the UK and haven't been in the shop for years.

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  6. susan s., thanks it was good to watch the video again. Here's a clickable link for anyone else who would like to watch.

    Bex, I find most museum shops are mixed bags, with good stuff and not so good stuff. You have to pick and choose. Of course, it's harder to know exactly what you're getting with online or catalog purchases. You have to learn by trial and error which produce quality goods consistently.

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  7. And I can't believe Rowan would open himself to the very real risk of his ornament being used by we Americans as cute little Advent voodoo dolls!

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  8. Rick, surely you are not suggesting that I would misuse the dolls in such a manner. Though I am originally from New Orleans, I would never....

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  9. I've been to the Canterbury Shop. Twice. Everything is priced for Americans. Not good quality, either. I did get a Desmond Tutu doll there, which I cherish. I've had to repair his burst seams several times over the years. He sits on my shelf, mind you - not handled much at all. It's definitely poor quality and workmanship but I like to chuckle over the metaphor.

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  10. ...I like to chuckle over the metaphor.

    Heh, heh. Elizabeth, you gave me a chuckle, too. Thank you.

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  11. If I had Rowan and St Nick dollies, I might make them commit unspeakable Moritoria-defying acts. >;-p

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  12. What fun! I wouldn't mind having the Abp Rowan and St. Nicholas dolls so that I could re-enact the annual parade that brings St. Nick to the Cathedral gates to be welcomed by the Archbishop and the Dean on the first Saturday in Advent.

    Like all shops of its kind the one at Canterbury cathedral is a mixed bag, as it caters to a vast range of tastes and budgets, but I have found a number of nice things there over the years including books, calendars, music CDs, household linens and jewelry. I'm not quite sure what Elizabeth means by saying that the merchandise is "priced for Americans", as though consumer goods generally cost less in Britain than in the U.S.; I didn't find that to be the case at all. Prices in the Cathedral shop seemed to me more or less in line with those in other local shops and department stores which catered mainly to residents of the city and university students.

    Of course, our own National Cathedral also has an online gift shop and could use our support, especially this year:

    http://shop.cathedral.org/

    Happy Christmas shopping to all!

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  13. Mary Clara, as I was preparing the post on the Canterbury gift shop, I thought of our national cathedral and its needs. Thanks for the reminder. I will do a post and link.

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