Products

STAR FABRIC GARLAND

Whether you are looking for modern or traditional decor, this pretty star fabric bunting would brighten up any room.

Handmade in the UK, it features ten block printed shapes in shades of blue, measuring 1.5 metres.

Natural and raw materials are so tactile and beautiful. Each item has its own colourings and marks, every one different from the next. This Bothy Tray encapsulates this look with an ideal home accessory that is useful!

Crafted in Paulownia Wood, the tray is wonderfully light and the new shape has an almost leaf like appearance adding to its natural aesthetic. Fill with sweets or your keys, things you always need to hand.  The choices are limitless, though we do recommend not filling with liquid.

The rustic brown-grey tones and shapes are characteristic of the material meaning no two will look identical. 

Dimensions: H5 x W37 x D31.5cm

Crafted in: Paulownia Wood

We would not recommend filling this item with water

This item has not been tested for use with food

Please note, each piece is individually hand-made therefore there may be slight variations in the size, and natural imperfections to the wood

Matches Bottle

A decorative bottle filled with fabulous luxury matches makes a practical gift for any occasion (especially accompanied with a favourite candle).

Contains 125 matches, each measuring 100mm Long

Bradshaw on Brunel’s Railways - Paddington to Penzance (Signed copy)

Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Bradshaw were close contemporaries. One became Britain's most celebrated engineer, driving his iron rails across the country from London to the tip of Cornwall, while the other brought the experience of rail travel to the masses through his timetables and guide books.

What's inside this guide 'Bradshaw on Brunel’s Railways - Paddington to Penzance'

Although the Great Western Railway (GWR) had opened in 1840, the through journey to Penzance had only become possible with the completion of the Royal Albert Bridge over the Tamar at Saltash in 1859, the year of Brunel's death.

Bradshaw's guide was published very shortly after the line opened and it gives the reader a unique insight into the new world of the Victorian railways and goes beyond the engineering aspects of the line to record the sights to be seen in the towns and cities encountered along the route.

Brunel expert John Christopher presents Bradshaw's original account as a continuous journey from Paddington to Penzance. The text is accompanied by contemporary images as well as many new colour photographs of the same journey today.

This is the first volume in this Bradshaw’s Guides series. Also available here 'Bradshaw on Brunel’s Railways - Swindon to South Wales' and 'Bradshaw on Brunel’s Railways - The Minor Lines'.

'Bradshaw's Guide: Brunel’s Railways - Paddington to Penzance' in detail

Author: John Christopher (signed)
Publisher: Amberley Publishing 2013
ISBN: 9781445621593
Format: Softback, 96 pages
Size: 234 x 165 mm
Condition: New

Part of the Droids Books Collection

Bradshaw on Brunel’s Railways - Swindon to South Wales (Signed copy)

Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Bradshaw were close contemporaries. One became Britain's most celebrated engineer, driving his iron rails across the country, while the other brought the experience of rail travel to the masses through his timetables and guide books.

What's inside this Bradshaw Guide 'Brunel’s Railways - Swindon to South Wales'

Although the Great Western Railway (GWR) mainline from London to Bristol had opened in 1840, the through journey across southern Wales to Neyland in Pembrokeshire - where Brunel planned to connect with his transatlantic steamships - only become possible after the opening of the Chepstow Bridge over the Wye and the completion of the line just a few years before Brunel's death.

Bradshaw's Guides were invaluable in their time and they provide the modern-day reader with a fascinating insight into the nineteenth century rail traveller's experience.

Brought to the public’s attention by Michael Portillo’s TV programmes, Bradshaw's guides provide a unique insight into the new world of the Victorian railways and goes beyond the engineering aspects of the line to record the sights in the towns and cities encountered along the route.

Acknowledged Brunel expert John Christopher presents Bradshaw's original account as a journey from Swindon up to Gloucester and across South Wales. Branch lines to Cheltenham, Ross, Hereford, Neath and Merthyr are included. The text is annotated and accompanied by contemporary images as well as many new colour photographs of the same journey today.

This is the second volume in this series. Also available here is 'Bradshaw on Brunel’s Railways - Paddington to Penzance' and 'Bradshaw on Brunel’s Railways - The Minor Lines'.

'Brunel’s Railways - Swindon to South Wales' in detail

Author: John Christopher (signed)
Publisher: Amberley Publishing 2014
ISBN: 9781445621777
Format: Softback, 96 pages
Size: 234 x 165 mm
Condition: New

Part of the Droids Books Collection

Bradshaw on Brunel’s Railways - The Minor Lines (Signed copy)

In addition to his high-profile railway lines, Isambard Kingdom Brunel was engineer to a number of minor and branch lines including those from Slough to Windsor, Didcot to Oxford and from there via the Oxford, Worcester & Wolverhampton Railway - the OWW which was generally known as the 'Old Worse & Worse' - across to Moreton, Evesham, Pershore and up through Worcester to Wolverhampton, the Gloucester to Cheltenham line, as well as the railways to Ross and Hereford, plus additional lines in Wiltshire, Somerset and South Wales.

What's inside this guide 'Bradshaw on Brunel’s Railways - The Minor Lines'

'Seldom has the gigantic intellect of man been employed upon a work of greater utility.' Punch, in praise of Bradshaw's guide which was published in 1863, very shortly after these lines had been completed

It gives the reader a unique insight into the world of the Victorian railways and goes beyond the engineering aspects to record the sights to be seen in the towns and cities encountered along the way.

Brunel expert John Christopher presents Bradshaw's original text accompanied by contemporary images and many new colour photographs of the same journey today.

This is the third volume in this Bradshaw’s Guides series. Also available here are 'Bradshaw on Brunel’s Railways - Paddington to Penzance' and 'Bradshaw on Brunel’s Railways - Swindon to South Wales'.

'Bradshaw's Guide: Brunel’s Railways - The Minor Lines' in detail

Author: John Christopher (signed)
Publisher: Amberley Publishing 2014
ISBN: 9781445621784
Format: Softback, 96 pages
Size: 234 x 165 mm
Condition: New

Part of the Droids Books Collection

Bradshaw’s Guide: Bradshaw At The Seaside

This Bradshaw's Guide 'Bradshaw At The Seaside' introduced the notion of seaside holidays to the general public and thanks to the railways it became possible for a town or city dweller to catch a train for a day-trip to the coast and still be home in time for supper.

What's inside this Bradshaw Guide 'Bradshaw At The Seaside'

‘Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside,
I do like to be beside the sea!
I do like to stroll upon the Prom, Prom, Prom!
Where the brass bands play:
Tiddely-om-pom-pom!

Bradshaw’s Guide of 1863 was the staple book on what’s what and where’s where for the mid-Victorians and it gives the modern reader a unique insight into the world of the nineteenth-century railway travellers.

Using Bradshaw’s Guide illustrated with contemporary images and seaside postcards, John Christopher and Campbell McCutcheon take us on a tour of Britain’s Victorian resorts.

'Bradshaw’s Guide: Bradshaw At The Seaside' in detail

Authors: Campbell McCutcheon and John Christopher
Publisher: Amberley Publishing 2015
ISBN: 9781445643823
Format: Softback, 96 pages
Size: 234 x 165 mm
Condition: New

Part of the Droids Books Collection

Bradshaw’s Guide 10: West Coast Main Line - Manchester to Glasgow

‘Seldom has the gigantic intellect of man been employed upon a work of greater utility.’ Punch, in praise of Bradshaw’s publications.

What's inside this Bradshaw Guide 'West Coast Main Line - Manchester to Glasgow'

The West Coast Main Line (WCML) – running all the way from London to Glasgow – remains one of the most important railway routes in the UK. It was built by a number of separate companies and by 1863, when Bradshaw published his famous guide, the section from Manchester was operated as far as Carlisle by the London & North Western Railway (LNWR), and from Carlisle onwards into Scotland by the Caledonian Railway.

This guide covers that final section of the WCML, including the important locations encountered along the way. In the 1930s the London Midland & Scottish (LMS) captured briefly the world speed record for a steam locomotive on this line.

Bradshaw’s guide was published in 1863, not that long after most of the railway network had been completed. It gives the reader a unique insight into the world of the Victorian railways and goes beyond the engineering aspects to record the sights to be seen in the towns and cities encountered along the way. This is volume 10 in the Bradshaw’s Guide series.

'Bradshaw’s Guide 10: West Coast Main Line - Manchester to Glasgow' in detail

Authors: Campbell McCutcheon and John Christopher
Publisher: Amberley Publishing 2014
ISBN: 9781445640419
Format: Softback, 96 pages
Size: 234 x 165 mm
Condition: New

Part of the Droids Books Collection

The Bradshaw’s Guide 7: The Railways of Wales - Signed copy

The popular Bradshaw’s Guide of 1863 offers a unique insight into the world of the nineteenth-century railway traveller. Built primarily to serve industry and the mail packets to Ireland, the railways of Wales would go on to open up the Principality to tourism for the first time. They also brought communities closer together and many journeys that once took days to complete could now be undertaken in hours. 

What's inside this Bradshaw Guide 'The Railways of Wales'

This illustrated guide records the sights to be seen in the towns and cities encountered along the various routes. John Christopher and Campbell McCutcheon take us on Brunel’s broad gauge lines in South Wales, before joining the central and northern railways, using contemporary Victorian and Edwardian photographs and postcards to illustrate the scenes that readers of Bradshaw’s Guide would have experienced.

This volume covers the South Wales Railway, the GWR, the Cambrian lines and the Chester & Holyhead Railway as well as many branch lines.

'Bradshaw’s Guide 7: The Railways of Wales' in detail

Authors: John Christopher (signed) and Campbell McCutcheon
Publisher: Amberley Publishing 2015
ISBN: 9781445638515
Format: Softback, 96 pages
Size: 234 x 165 mm
Condition: New

Part of the Droids Books Collection

British Birds Needle Felting Kit

Choose from two popular chirpy British birds to needle felt, using these beautiful craft kits, designed & made in Scotland. 

Suitable for beginners & aged 10+, each needle felting kit contains everything needed, including step-by-step instructions with clear colour photographs. The finished bird is approximately 13cm when complete.

Packaged in a beautiful gift box, each kit contains: 100% wool, felting needles, pipe cleaner, foam to work on, glass eyes, wire, full colour instructions.

British Posters Of The First World War - Signed copy

“Iconic and memorable... beautifully crafted.” (Britain at War magazine)

During the First World War the authorities emulated the simple slogans and strong graphic imagery of advertising posters to create a form of mass communication that was easily and instantly understood by the British public, in particular the mostly illiterate working class who did more than their share to feed the machinery of war.

'British Posters Of WWI', this is what's inside

For the most part the posters were calls to action, starting with the initial period of voluntary enlistment and leading on to conscription. Psychologically they worked on several levels, appealing to a sense of duty or tapping into feelings of guilt. Patriotic fervour was heightened by the appearance of the Union Jack, the King and, most enduringly perhaps, the iconic image of Lord Kitchener.

In addition, propaganda posters heaped on the pressure with scenes of German atrocities, such as the sinking of the Lusitania and the spectre of Zeppelin raiders over England. Those not directly involved in the fighting were also urged to do their part; women in particular either by sending their men to the front or by working in the munitions factories or on the land.

Even children had a part to play – ‘Daddy, what did YOU do in the Great War?’ Money for the war effort is another recurring theme, with war savings and bonds, and countless charities appealing for funds to care for the wounded and the war orphans.

'British Posters Of The First World War' is fully illustrated throughout

Author: John Christopher (signed)
Publisher: Amberley Publishing 2015
ISBN: 9781445655260
Format: Softback, 192 pages
Size: 248 x 172 mm
Condition: New

Part of the Droids Books Collection

For all that sparkles! Accessorise your wrist with our delicate heirloom bracelet. Perfect as a birthday gift, bridesmaid present, or to treat yourself!

The rose gold brooch bracelet has an adjustable chain to fit any wrist size and is made from sterling silver, with cubic zirconia stones for extra sparkle. Beautifully packaged with its own pouch.

Limited edition – once they're gone they’re gone!!!

Brunel in Cornwall - Signed

John Christopher, an acknowledged expert on Isambard Kingdom Brunel, takes us on a tour of Cornwall which marks the extreme south-western extent of Brunel’s kingdom.

What to expect from 'Brunel in Cornwall'

Cornwall is surprisingly rich in Brunel's works. The Royal Albert Bridge, which crosses the River Tamar, connected the broad gauge network with the Cornwall and West Cornwall railways – both engineered by Brunel – to take the trains coming from Paddington all the way to Penzance via a series of over sixty spectacular timber viaducts.

The original viaducts have gone now, either modified or replaced over the years, but in many cases the masonry piers remain like rows of monolithic sentinels. As a result there is much to reward the Brunel hunter, including the branch line south to Falmouth plus many surviving examples of his railway stations. There are other connections, literally.

His Great Eastern steamship was the first vessel to successfully lay a telegraphic cable to connect Europe and the USA – a story told at the historic Porthcurno Telegraph Museum near Land’s End.

This is one in a series of books about rediscovering Brunel’s works in your area. See also Brunel in London, Brunel in Gloucestershire, and Brunel in Bristol.

Brunel in Cornwall - the details

Author: John Christopher (signed)
Publisher: Amberley Publishing 2014
ISBN: 9781445618593
Format: Softback 96 pages
Size: 235 x 165 mm
Condition: New

Part of the Droids Books Collection

Brunel in London - Signed

Brunel and London might not seem an obvious association, but John Christopher puts the case that it was London, not Bristol, that was the most important centre of Brunel's activities.

Making the case for Brunel in London

It was here that he lived, worked and died. London is dotted with examples of his works, some obvious and some less so, from the subaquatic Thames Tunnel between Wapping to Rotherhithe where he cut his engineering teeth and was almost killed in a sudden deluge, to the Hungerford suspension bridge between Charing Cross and the South Bank - mostly forgotten but parts of it still exist - the two stations at Paddington serving the Great Western Railway main line running to the west and, of course, his final steamship, the vast Great Eastern built at Millwall, which marked the end of his career and his life.

Less familiar are Brunel's connections with the Crystal Palace, designed by Joseph Paxton for the Great Exhibition of 1851, and the two towers he built when it was relocated to Sydenham in south London.

John Christopher, an acknowledged expert on Brunel, takes us on a tour of London, examining the relationship between city and engineer.

This is one in a series of books about rediscovering Brunel’s works in your area. See also Brunel in Gloucestershire, Brunel in Cornwall, and Brunel in Bristol.

Brunel in London - the details

Author: John Christopher (signed)
Publisher: Amberley Publishing 2014
ISBN: 9781445618555
Format: Softback 96 pages
Size: 235 x 165 mm
Condition: New

Part of the Droids Books Collection

Boasting a charming and contemporary look

Our beautiful Buddha wall art is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and is sure to bring character to wherever you choose to place it. Crafted from durable iron metal and hand crafted, our wall art is super easy to hang on walls or fences.

Please note: you will receive one iron plaque and style will be selected randomly. 

Dimensions: L 28cm, W 0.5cm, H 39cm.

CASHMERE BLEND TUNIC

A versatile ‘throw over’ style tunic, made from a super soft blend of wool & cashmere, that is great worn as an extra layer over a shirt, jumper etc.

The stand-up collar gives the otherwise relaxed shape an element of structure, for a smart-casual, as well as a weekend look. Side vents with ribbed trim add interest. The back is slightly longer than the front.

Given a machine washable finish you can confidently throw it into the washing machine on a delicate wool cycle. 

One size looks great on a UK size 10 to a size 18.

Cats on Stick Hanging Decoration

You don't have to be a cat lover to appreciate this cute hanging decoration, but if you are, this is the perfect addition to your festive decor. Made of wood & metal.

SIZE

width - 11cm

height - 12cm (excluding string)

All About The Chic Deer Pair on Twig

How tall & smart they stand, under the mistletoe, in their very own festive forest. This painted pair of metal deer on wood decoration will make you smile throughout this festive season.

Dimensions of the Winter Woodland Christmas Hanging

Width 15cm

Height 11cm

CHILD KNITTED HAT

These cute hand crafted hats are designed & knitted in 'The Cotswolds', using colourful mercerised cotton for keeping little heads warm.

Available in sizes 0-6 months up to 2-3 years.

KNITTED MITTENS ON STRINGS

These co-ordinating mercerised cotton mittens, with strings to thread through babies coat sleeves, means they are super practical as well as stylish.

KNITTED HAT & MITTENS SET

Purchase the hat & mittens as a set for a reduced price

Please select the colour & size you wish to order, followed by the item/items.

Make a statement with this showstopping stunner!

This dazzling display refuses to be understated with its cluster of 10 bold yellow citrine stones, perfect for everyday wear or special occasions. The birthstone for november, this stunning Citrine ring makes a deeply personal gift for lovers of colour and opulence. In 925 Sterling Silver, this piece will last a lifetime with the proper love and care. 

Available in Size O.