Shopping London: Affordable art from acclaimed British artist Rory Dobner

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While shopping the housewares department at London’s Fortnum and Mason department store, this mischievous fox caught my eye.

The fox tea towel was part of a display area filled with similar intricate ink designs on items ranging from 22-karat gold-rimmed bone china, to ceramic candles and mugs– part of a new Fortnum and Mason housewares collection based on the ink drawings of acclaimed English artist Rory Dobner.

Fortunately, I found this china cat tray in a pack-friendly wood version (£30), making it the perfect souvenir.

The unassuming artist happened to be in Fortnum’s that day, casually hanging out by his collection for its debut.  I was thrilled when Rory offered to sign the tray I picked out.

While Rory’s designs for Fortnum’s are exclusive to the store, he also collaborates with Liberty of London on other designs, including these “playfully eccentric” individual letter tiles (£39.50).

And these anthropomorphic animals designs.

I love the whimsical design of wooden cat tray souvenir– it’s a great way to bring back the work of a real artist, without the high price tag.

Have you found affordable art souvenirs to bring home?  Tell us about your favorites!

Shop for Rory’s designs at:

Fortnum and Mason (also online for armchair travelers)
181 Picadilly, London

All photos of Rory Dobner’s work taken with permission of the artist.

Want to read about more London shopping and souvenirs?  Start here:
Why this New Yorker loves the London Underground (and my picks from the London Transport Museum Shop)
A walk through the Harry Potter gift shop at Platform 9 3/4, London
Fashion Forward Brits Declare Love for the Onesie– Not just for Babies
Big Ben, the British Flag and a Telephone Box:  Why we love British Kitsch
I got it at Primani, dahling.  Why frugal tourists love London’s Primark.

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