Antiques & Collectables

The Story of Mini is a pocket-sized and beautifully illustrated celebration of the iconic car.

For more than 60 years, the Mini has been one of the most beloved and instantly recognisable cars on the road. From its humble beginnings with the British Motor Corporation in 1959, to the modern BMW-backed models of today, The Story of Mini tells the story of the car and the unique culture that has built up around it.

Exploring the evolution of Mini design from the original two-door model – the most popular British car of all time – through to the diverse range of Minis available today, this book is an exceptionally designed tribute to the marque, and the people who helped create it.

Touching on the Mini’s impact on pop culture, as well as the racing heritage cultivated by the legendary John Cooper, and filled with stunning imagery and insightful commentary, The Story of Mini charts the history of this beloved brand in a small but perfectly formed package.

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The car world is full of fascinating characters, but few have a story to tell quite as remarkable and inspirational as Tom Hartley. Walking out of school at the age of 11, unable to read or write, Hartley set up his own business buying and selling cars. From that moment on he defied logic and ripped up the rule book on his way to the top.Today, he heads one of the most successful independent family-run luxury, performance and classic car businesses in the world, and has built an unrivalled reputation as ‘The Dealmaker.’ Tom has been at the top for over 40 years, survived and thrived through four recessions, and overcome three life-threatening illnesses. In his own brutally honest words Hartley tells his gripping story of a boy from a traditional Romany family who swapped the classroom for the cut-throat world of Glasgow’s car auctions, buying and selling his first car at the age of 12. Having decided to illegally drive himself, he was only 15 when he had his first car crash, and they don’t come more spectacular than writing off a Ferrari Dino – nothing has ever been mundane in the world of Tom Hartley! Hartley had made his first million by the age of 17, but soon suffered major setbacks as his business went bust, and he found himself at risk of losing his sight without major surgery. Hartley started all over again, living with his wife in a mobile home, and working from the back of a car. He had gone from hero to zero, but his burning desire to be the best saw him climb his way back to the top. His ability to clinch deals in some of the most bizarre places has become legendary, like buying a car in a sauna, while stuck in a traffic jam on a motorway, and even in a swimming pool! Family has played a key part in the Tom Hartley story: his wife, Priscilla, has been at his side all the way, and his two sons have followed closely in their father’s footsteps. Indeed, Tom’s belief in family is just one of the inspiring messages that comes through in his book. Hartley’s inspirational story is about his unshakeable belief in his own abilities, from a precocious schoolboy who had a dream, and then through sheer hard work and a burning desire made the dream come true. This is not just a book for car enthusiasts but for anyone who has dared to dream. It’s a story that will inspire and motivate, and proves you can make the wildest dream come true if you want it badly enough …

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Bring the fun of Cuphead to your desktop or bookshelf with this officially-licensed, mini bobbling figurine from the classic video game.

* ONE-OF-A-KIND BOBBLING FIGURINE: Mini collectible of Cuphead with a unique bobbling feature inspired by his movement in the game
* INCLUDES SOUND: In-game audio of the announcer’s voice plays at the push of a button
* UNIQUE, TWO-SIDED FLIP BOOK: 48-page, 3-1/2 x 2-5/8 inch illustrated mini book features two original animations from Studio MDHR
* OFFICIALLY LICENSED: Authentic Cuphead merchandise

© 2021 StudioMDHR Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. Cuphead(TM), the Cuphead(TM) logo, StudioMDHR(TM) and the
StudioMDHR(TM) logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of StudioMDHR Entertainment Inc. throughout the world.

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With their decorations, images, bright pigments and finishing touches of gold leaf, illuminated manuscripts are beautiful objects page by page. Drawing from the British Library’s extensive collection, this wall calendar features 12 stunning and intricate details. Whether familiar with medieval history or an appreciator of fine craftsmanship, this calendar provides a visual treat. Informative text accompanies each work and the datepad features previous and next month’s views. Printed on FSC-certified paper, with plastic-free packaging.

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Beatrix Potter (1866–1943) is one of the world’s most-loved children’s authors. Throughout her lifetime she wrote and illustrated 28 children’s books and created characters that are still loved today. Her books have sold over 100 million copies, and the story of her life as well as her books have been made into films. Published in partnership with the British Library, this calendar features an array of Beatrix Potter’s enchanting illustrations from their collection. Informative text accompanies each work and the datepad features previous and next month’s views. Printed on FSC-certified paper, with plastic-free packaging.

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The Story of Porsche is a compact and beautifully designed review of the iconic car manufacturer.

From the alluring curves to the powerful engineering, Porsche has been synonymous with both luxury and race car manufacturing for more than 90 years. In The Story of Porsche, every component of the legendary brand’s success is studied and celebrated, from turbulent beginnings to its ascent to the summit of car design and construction.

Blending heritage with innovation and brand identity with creativity, Porsche has produced some of the most beloved models of sport and luxury car alike. From the timeless designs of the 911 and Carrera, to the dynamism of the 917, the fabled marque has instilled class and faultless engineering into each and every one of its creations. With 19 victories at Le Mans, Porsche has also proved itself to be as successful on the racetrack as it is on the streets; revered, respected and treasured in equal measure.

These victories on both the podium and in the marketplace are rendered here in stunning detail through insightful text and exceptional photography. This is a story packed with blind corners and steep climbs, in a package that will sit perfectly on any Porsche fan’s bookshelf.

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Scissors and glue stick at the ready… inject a wealth of botanical beauty into your creative projects with this sumptuous collection of images from the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew archive.

Whether you’re looking for vintage botanical ephemera to enhance your journal or scrapbook pages, want to make your own collage art, or simply have a range of botanical elements at your fingertips for gift-wrapping, card-making, vision-boarding and more – this stunning collection will give you over 500 images to cut out and create with, in whatever way you choose.

Featuring over 500 images, this book presents a wide variety of botanical art across a range of chapters – from flowers to cacti, fruit and vegetables, and even fungi. The images are printed on one side only so that all images can be used, and each page is backed with lovely botanical patterns that can also be used as paper elements, so no scrap is wasted.

Botanical art is as popular today as it has ever been, perhaps even more so, as we all realise the importance of connecting with nature in an increasingly fast-paced world. It has been scientifically proven that even looking at pictures of plants can have a calming effect on the mind, lowering stress levels and supporting relaxation. The same is true of making things by hand – away from screens and digital distractions – and so combining the traditional craft of collage with botanical art is an immensely mindful activity that will benefit all who have a go.

Alongside the 500 images, you will find guidance on how to use the book, with collage ideas and tips and tricks for getting the most from this absorbing art form.

Cut it up, stick it down and watch your creative projects blossom before your very eyes with this bumper book of botanical illustrations from Kew.

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Exquisite and sumptuous, immaculately tailored, dignified and, above all, practical. The wardrobe of Queen Elizabeth II was as distinctive in style as her position in the world was unique. This remarkable book is a fond reflection of the days when her Majesty led the field in fashion, showcasing some of the world’s best designers.

At every appearance, as the world looked on, the impeccable outfits of Queen Elizabeth II were at the centre of keen discussion and debate. This sartorial biography celebrates Her Majesty as a much-loved and timeless style icon. Showcasing the best of the world’s designers, including Norman Hartnell, Hardy Amies and Ian Thomas, it also tells us much about the many years in which she reigned.

Journey through the decades to discover classic designs with nipped-in waists and full skirts, strong tailored silhouettes, as well rather more relaxed styles from the 70s, all worn by Her Majesty, who always dressed with poise and diplomacy for the world stage.

Princess Elizabeth was the leading style influencer of her day. Young and beautiful (and a real princess), she represented postwar optimism and renewal, both personal and cultural. She had a wardrobe most could only dream of, custom-made in the finest fabrics. From practical clothes for her beloved outdoor pursuits to exquisite and sumptuous gowns, her personal style reflected cultural and social changes over nine decades and reveals a rare understanding of the value of impeccable dressing. In our current era of casual clothing for nearly every occasion, the Queen’s formal attire signalled respect for those she was visiting.

With stunning formal portraits and candid photography, discover the careful work that underpinned the royal wardrobe and celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s enduring legacy.

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For fifty years, Britain made the best toy cars in the world, expertly shrinking every kind of reallife vehicle and producing them in their countless, die-cast millions. Dinky Toys were the 1930s pioneers, then in the 1950s came the pocket-money Matchbox series, followed by Corgi Toys bristling with ingenious features and movie stardust.

But who were the driving forces behind this phenomenon? And how did they keep putting the latest, most exciting cars into the palm of your hand year after year?

In this illustrated and expanded edition of Britain’s Toy Car Wars, Giles Chapman reveals the extraordinary battle to dominate Britain’s toy car industry, and the dramas and disasters that finally saw the tiny wheels come off …

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This is the ultimate guide to the classic automobile, in the defining years from 1945 to 1985 – the period that for many marks the pinnacle of automative engineering and design style. The history of the development of the car is covered in detail – the milestone models, leading designers, engineers and manufacturers that came together to create so many classic cars. The directory that follows is a visual reference of every important international marque from A to Z, highlighting some of the most significant cars of the century: the Ferrari Daytona, the Lincoln Continental, the Rover 2000, the VW Beetle and the much-loved Mini. Full descriptions, history and technical information on each car is included, making this book the ultimate reference for every car enthusiast and collector.

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Sixty diverse cars, sixty fascinating stories, sixty contrasting specifications, just one uniting factor: they’re all forgotten, neglected or misunderstood classics.

In Lost Cars of the 1970s, the casualties and sideshows of motoring history from around the world finally get the recognition they deserve. Revisit a motoring decade when fuel economy was top priority, the rotary engine rose and fell, and car buyers wanted a hatchback and the latest styling and safety features. Those that made the grade found global popularity – now meet the cars left behind.

Italy’s clever plan to update the Mini; the French GT coupé with an extra seat; America’s electric runabout that paved the way for Tesla; Britain’s stylish, homespun sports cars; the Japanese limo intended to do 25mph; the ‘safety car’ turned into a Polish workhorse … each one enjoys a detailed review that gives the context and thinking around them. Featuring archive images that highlight thirty design specials and one-offs, award-winning author Giles Chapman showcases both the cars that predicted what was to come, and those that pointed to a future that never quite came true.

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• A nostalgic glimpse of a bygone age
• Provides invaluable source material and is a definitive collection of printed ephemera of the past
• Continues in the immensely popular Scrapbook formula which, collectively, have sold over 250,000 copies
• Superb value and an excellent gift idea

The Victorian Era represents the cradle of our modern society – a time when social change and new technology heralded an industrialised economy. By the time of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897, claims were proudly made of the progress since her accession to the throne. Steam ships had replaced sail, the railway system had superseded the stage coach, and the motor car had just begun to replace the horse.

Not only did mass production create a new wealth of household products, ceramics, toys and games, but the arrival of cheaper printing and colour lithography made possible a profusion of printed material. The music sheets, colourful scraps, advertisements, greetings cards and children’s book illustrations that fill The Victorian Scrapbook – with such vigour – all give us an insight into the life and times of our forebears.

Fortunately the thousand items gathered here have survived in remarkable condition, some by chance, others by having themselves been pasted down into contemporary scrapbooks. They all combine to celebrate a time when British ruled an Empire ‘on which the sun never sets’.

Also available:
The 1910s Scrapbook ISBN 9780954795474
The 1920s Scrapbook ISBN 9780954795467
The 1930s Scrapbook ISBN 9780954795450
The 1950s Scrapbook ISBN 9780954795429
The 1960s Scrapbook ISBN 9780954795412
The 1970s Scrapbook ISBN 9780954795405
The Edwardian Scrapbook ISBN 9780954795481
The Royal Scrapbook ISBN 9780954795436
The Wartime Scrapbook (new edition) ISBN 9780954795443

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Botany in bricks! Take a closer look: This intricately illustrated compendium of flowers and plants has a LEGO(Reg TM) twist-the blooms are built of bricks! Inspired by the bestselling LEGO Botanical sets, this almanac combines floral facts, hand-drawn botanical illustrations, and exclusive stories from the LEGO set designers themselves, plus a bonus collectible flower print to display.

Inspired by scientific drawings of flora, the beauty is in the details of the singular LEGO(Reg TM) Botanical Almanac . Each page presents a deeper look into a stunning LEGO bloom, succulent, or plant-from garden varietals to the exquisitely exotic. Like traditional botany illustrations, these LEGO flowers are presented as stunning works of art and detailed dissections of real species. Dip in and out to learn about each plant and discover behind-the-scenes details of how LEGO set designers turned iconic bricks into captivating natural forms. A perfect gift for LEGO fans and unlike any other book before it,the LEGO(Reg TM) Botanical Almanac highlights where art meets science and building meets play-a true celebration of the boundless creativity of the LEGO brand.

LEGO, the LEGO logo, and the Brick and Knob configurations are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2024 The LEGO Group. All rights reserved.

EXCLUSIVE COLLECTIBLE PRINT INCLUDED: Tucked in the back of the book is a removable print featuring a hand-drawn illustration from the book. A must-have for LEGO collectors, this print is exclusive to the book. Frame and hang it on your wall to admire-and spark your creative thinking-every day.

UNIQUE FAN ARTIFACT: With beautifully rendered art and a sophisticated package that mimics a true scientific work, this almanac is an unexpected gift for the LEGO fan that has everything. Share the LEGO fandom with this surprisingly beautiful keepsake.

A BRAND YOU LOVE AND TRUST: For decades, the LEGO brand has inspired billions of people to stretch the limits of their imaginations and explore the power of play. Discover a new side of the LEGO universe with this beautiful LEGO book.

EXCLUSIVES FROM THE LEGO DESIGNERS: The book features behind-the-scenes interviews, stories, and fun facts, offering a unique window into the creative process of developing a LEGO set.

Perfect for:- LEGO fans – LEGO builders who purchased the LEGO Botanical sets – Gardeners and fresh-cut flower lovers – People interested in home decor and looking for a beautiful flower book to display – People fascinated by scientific botanical drawings – Mother’s Day, housewarming, anniversary, birthday, Valentine’s Day, or Galentine’s Day gifting

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Programmes! Programmes! Football and Life from Wartime to Lockdown is a fascinating archaeological dig through a collection of 2,000 programmes. From the bleak wartime era when players had to shelter from air raids and depend on army leave, to tragedies and the ‘Slum Game’, through to the glitz of today’s global stars, noodle partners and fan-owned, community-based clubs – every aspect of football’s evolution, its highs and lows can be found in match-day programmes, along with a dose of bad poetry, adverts for sex magazines, boy bands who never made it and explanations of a ‘magic sponge’ for American fans. There are unforgettable games, World Cup winners, schoolboy internationals destined for stardom and others whose glimpse of glory proved fleeting. The stories play out against a backdrop of technological, economic and social change in Britain and beyond, rekindling the memories of generations of fans. Programmes! Programmes! is a ‘must’ for lovers of football nostalgia, with fascinating, funny and quirky tales galore.

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William Morris (1834-96), Father of the Arts and Crafts movement, was one of the most important artistic and literary figures of the nineteenth century. His pattern designs reveal a love of wild flowers, plants and birds, and a fascination with medieval culture. Each of these 100 postcards shows a different motif by Morris and his company, offering a perfect introduction to the Victoria and Albert Museum’s extensive collections. Favourites such as Willow Bough, Strawberry Thief and Acanthus are presented alongside lesser-known wallpaper, textile and tile designs making this a must-have for all design fans.

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