The Museum of Vancouver is working directly with local retailers to both stock and produce merchandise inspired by its collection. “This new model is a great way to take the MOV brand and our array of historical artifacts out to the city,” says Kate Follington, MOV director of development. “Given that we can only ever display a fraction of our collection, it is a way for us to breathe new life into artifacts and raise funds to continue our work.” Smart move.
First up: a line of graphic rugs created by Harvey Burritt’s 2nd Century Rug Company, each individually hand-knotted in Nepal. Five rugs are part of the initial launch: a ‘30s map of Vancouver; a ‘50s streetcar scroll; a ‘50s bus scroll; a collage of corporate seals; and a message board signed by Vancouverites following the Stanley Cup Final riots in 2011. Each rug has a specific catalogue number that can be used to view the original artifact at openmov.museumofvancouver.ca. And 2nd Century will add to the line over time.
Other retailers involved in the initiative include the Cascade Room Restaurant & Bar, Country Furniture, London Drugs, Make Vancouver, Vancouver Special, and Walrus – stocking everything from key chains, coasters and beer glasses to pillows and T-shirts.