Since the hand-painted maps I drew to illustrate ‘Swallows and Amazons’ locations have been so popular on mugs and t-shirts, I decided to release a collection of women’s clothing. They are not cheap but the quality is good and you should be able to find discount codes for Redbubble, the manufacturer here.
To view the collection, which is perfect for birthday gifts, please click here.
These high-quality goods are manufactured in Australia by RedBubble who take care of all Customs charges. If you are asked to pay customs duty, send them a picture of proof of payment of customs charges and they’ll sort it out.
The maps I drew, depicting locations mentioned in Arthur Ransome’s book ‘Swallows and Amazons’ and the 1974 film, are now available on a number of products. I though they might make good gifts.
They have large scarves, which always make a good present and sweatshirts for anyone prone to getting lost.
You’ll see cards, notebooks and prints available if you click around the site.
Forgive me, different maps seem to fit the dimensions of each item in different ways but they offer good quality ceramic mugs .
Mugs printed with maps used to illustrate Sophie’s books
Click around and you will find these three different designs available on the site labelled: ‘Map of Windemere’, ‘Map of DerwentWater’ and Map of Coniston Water’
For some time now, I’ve had a Swallows and Amazons mug at home, which I use to keep my pens in. Featuring the design of the Jonathan Cape book jacket, it was given to me by Scruffie Buchanan who stocked the full set of Arthur Ransome mugs in her shop aptly called The Museum of Childhood. I treasure it as a part of mine. It is difficult to find these now. They have become collectors’ items.
Not long ago I was presented with this handsome mug from Hill Top Cottage at Ealinghearth, by Stephen and Janine Sykes when they showed me around the Ransome’s last home, which they have restored in the Lake District.
I’ve just discovered that it is possible to buy mugs depicting scenes from the film of Swallows & Amazons (1974). This one (above) is quite fun as it resembles the cover of ‘The Making of Swallows and Amazons (1974)’ There are others:
There are various scenes, but if you want to drink to Captain Flint walking the plank, you can.
My favourite design shows the film poster of Swallows & Amazons, which comes in two ways.
There are a variety of other stills from the film to chose from. These mugs and other movie merchandise such as mouse-mats, jigsaw puzzles and framed prints can be purchased from StudioCanal, the film’s distributors, who have an online shop.
Meanwhile, Jago Silver has designed these Expresso mugs that are great for camping.
Just when I was wondering if there were any more ‘Swallows and Amazons’ inspired mugs, I was sent this beautiful depiction of Hill Top near Haverthwaite, showing the view Arthur and Genia would have enjoyed in their twilight years. Here are two views of the same mug:
Photos of this historic mug were taken by Craig Wadhurst.
These bone china mugs depicting Ransome’s yachts Peter Duck and the Nancy Blackett cost £10, or lessor a pair, and are available from The Nancy Blackett Trust here. They also sell a selection of books, audio books and videos for Arthur Ransome enthusiasts.
I have had decorative maps of Arthur Ransome locations around Windermere and Coniston applied to mugs available from Redbubble. Here is one featuring the cover of my book available here.
These come from Australia, so take a while to arrive but are good quality.
Mugs printed with maps used to illustrate Sophie’s books
The most popular is the mug with the map of Coniston Water, which you can find here
If you like using thermal cups with lids, the decorative map of Coniston Water can be found here
A full range of items in this range including t-shirts and bags can be seen on a previous post here.
Map showing ‘Swallows and Amazons’ film locations around Coniston Water
The most beautiful range of Swallows and Amazons china including these small coffee mugs featuring the map from the book (above) and this plate, were once available from The Nancy Blackett shop but you might find they have sold out.
They do stock larger, more practical mugs depicting ‘Swallow’, and the ‘Nancy Blackett’ for £8.50 each here.
Do let me know if you know of any other Swallows & Amazons mugs and where they can be found in the comments below.
The Swallows and Amazons map of Windermere on a thermal cup 
Sophie Neville 