POOLE’s museum and Lighthouse arts centre have announced an exciting collaboration as a new shop opens at the arts centre. Found in the main Lighthouse foyer next to the ticket office, the shelves of Shop! are brimming with unique treasures keeping the town’s heritage alive.

A trove of souvenirs and gifts, it is a chance for visitors and locals alike to snap up a piece of Poole. The work on sale includes a bespoke collection shaped by Poole’s past, with a selection of prints and homeware that highlight famous landmarks, captured by artists including Eustace Nash. Many items have been carefully picked to support local talent and are ethically and sustainably sourced where possible

The shop features work from local makers and creatives, including children’s books inspired by marine tales, artisan candles and soaps made in Dorset, creative craft kits and jewellery handmade on the doorstep. The arts centre and museum hope this will become a favourite shopping spot for culture lovers and anyone passionate about Poole.

“It’s our very own little shop of delights,” says Lighthouse chief executive Elspeth McBain with one eye on the opening of hit musical Little Shop of Horrors this week.

Highlights include the slide mirror featuring the iconic Bathers at Swanage painting by Eustace Pain Elliott Nash and prints of the famous Welcome to Poole tile panel made in the 1950s by Carter & Co, which became Poole Pottery.

“We are so pleased to be working with the team at Poole Museum. Shop! at Lighthouse unites two of Poole’s cultural cornerstones situated at opposite ends of the town who share so much in terms of values and a passion for showing our visitors the best that Poole has to offer. As a charity, the shop will provide Lighthouse with a new way for customers to support the work that we do.”

Jaine Fitzpatrick, the museum’s interim director, says: “Shop! will showcase a carefully curated range of ethically and sustainably sourced products that encourage curiosity and inspire a love of Poole’s history, art and the natural world. Like Lighthouse, Poole Museum is a charity and relies heavily on fundraising for its income in order to remain free and accessible to all.”

Shop! is open during busy lunchtime and afternoons across the week, and in the evenings depending on what’s on. For full details please visit Home – Lighthouse.

Pictured are, from left, Ella Buckley, front of house and tourist information manager at Poole Museum; Emma Cawte, commercial lead at Poole Museum; Elspeth McBain, Jaine Fitzpatrick, interim museum director, and museum trustee Liam Toms. Credit: Emma Willcox