Here comes the Katie Collection!

Posted on 13 March 2015 · 4 Comments

It’s with great excitement that I can reveal that the National Gallery in London are to produce an EXCLUSIVE range of very high quality and beautifully designed merchandise, inspired by the KATIE books.

photo-50

The collection will be made up of items manufactured almost entirely in the UK to the very highest standards, and will include children’s T shirts, mugs, badges, beautiful watches, book bags, rubbers, rulers, pencil cases, drink bottles, jigsaws, notebooks…

it’s a dazzling selection of fun things for boys as well as girls, with Jack prominent from Katie in London. Katie’s Picture Show and Katie and the Sunflowers are also used in the designs.

To celebrate there will be a one-off LAUNCH on April 1st (this is no hoax though!) in the Sainsbury Wing Gift Shop. I will be there in person at 11 am and 2pm to tell stories and see the range with my own eyes.

photo-49

Over many years, there have been all sorts of plans for Katie. Most have fallen through. Here is one that has finally come true! I do hope you can come and help me celebrate!

The storytellings are free, and I look forward to meeting you there!

For more information, visit the National Gallery website HERE: http://www.nationalgallery.co.uk/products/unique_gift_ideas/Inspired-by-Katie

Posted in

James Mayhew

James is the creator of the much-loved Katie and Ella Bella Ballerina series and has written or illustrated many other books, including Koshka’s Tales, Mouse & Mole (by Joyce Dunbar) and Gaspard the Fox (by Zeb Soanes). Alongside his work in publishing, James performs live on stage during concerts for children, combining live classical music, storytelling and art.

4 responses to “Here comes the Katie Collection!”

  1. Diana Cheesman avatar
    Diana Cheesman

    Hi, James. Hope you are beginning to feel much better. I am very excited to read about the new beautifully designed merchandise, inspired by your Katie books, which will be on sale at The National Gallery in London. We will try and be at the launch on 1st April, but, if not, would these goods also be available at The National Gallery in Edinburgh, or is this exclusive to London? What a fantastic idea but please can you create a character with the name Amelia, to save conflict with Katie’s sister ( our other granddaughter). Your books are an absolute delight and also very educational. Thank you.

    Reply
    1. James Mayhew avatar
      James Mayhew

      Thanks Diana. I’m afraid this is only the London National Gallery, but you can buy items online. I will think about Amelia… Never say never!

      Reply
  2. usha dhorajiwala avatar
    usha dhorajiwala

    Dear James
    It was good to see you today at the Novotel, Knebworth Park for the 5th Hertfordshire Festival of Words. The festival certainly has developed a love of literature, for our children and provided them an opportunity to develop their confidence in public speaking, performing and use of their imaginations. The children had great fun, reciting their selected poem or reading a piece of prose from their favourite book. We were delighted with the way the children responded to the reading challenges in their age group and are so proud of them all! And as always, your storytelling was a perfect way to round up the morning. We were all captivated with your storytelling and upside down paintings (both children and adults alike!) I think it goes to show we are never too old for storytelling! Thank you so much.
    Congratulations on the new Katie merchandise. How exciting! I’m looking forward to seeing it and I know the children will love it!

    Reply
    1. James Mayhew avatar
      James Mayhew

      Thanks Usha, It was so lovely to see you and your colleague encouraging and praising the children, such dedication warms the heart!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Posts

Black Dogs & Grey Wolves!
3 September 2025
A Symphony Of Stories
7 October 2024
A09F6610-AC82-4E01-BE93-6734D74974BD
The Frog’s Kiss
16 May 2023
A733A39F-7C38-47E0-9405-FBC7D256D27F
Pictures at an Exhibition with RSNO
7 March 2023

Events