Background

not just a shop

Discover one-of-a-kind designs by UAL's rising stars at this not-for-profit haven on High Holborn, where every purchase fuels creative futures.

4.9

Nestled on bustling High Holborn, not just a shop showcases unique homeware, fashion, gifts, jewelry, ceramics, and artworks crafted exclusively by University of the Arts London students and alumni. This not-for-profit venture reinvests all proceeds into UAL's enterprise education, nurturing emerging creative talents while offering visitors one-of-a-kind, design-led treasures in a compact, inspiring space.

A brief summary to not just a shop

  • 272 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7EY, GB
  • +442075142277
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
  • Budget
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Tuesday 11 am-3 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-3 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Check the website for upcoming open calls and new product drops to snag limited-edition items before they sell out.
  • Opt for gift wrapping or cards available in-store for thoughtful, ready-to-give presents.
  • Browse fine art sections for unique prints and sculptures, perfect for collectors seeking originals.
  • Visit mid-week during peak hours (11am-3pm, Tue-Fri) for the fullest selection and staff insights on makers.
widget icon

not just a shop location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather

Unlock the Best of not just a shop

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about not just a shop

Gateway to Emerging Creativity

Tucked into the vibrant artery of High Holborn, not just a shop opens a window into the boundless imagination of University of the Arts London's (UAL) students and alumni. This intimate retail space brims with handcrafted items that blend innovation with craftsmanship, from delicate ceramics to bold fashion accessories. Each piece tells a story of its maker's journey, selected through rigorous open calls by panels of UAL staff, students, and industry experts. The shop's not-for-profit ethos sets it apart, channeling every sale back into enterprise programs that equip the next generation of designers with real-world skills in branding, pricing, and retail dynamics.

Diverse World of Design Offerings

Wander the shelves to discover a curated array of categories: stationery alive with witty illustrations, jewelry that marries traditional techniques with modern flair, homeware like stackable glass mugs and stoneware vases, and limited-edition prints capturing raw artistic energy. Souvenirs, games, toys, beauty products, and even small furniture pieces round out the collection, emphasizing sustainability, British manufacturing, and upcycled materials. Fine art shines in rotating displays of paintings, sculptures, textiles, and photographs, available on a sale-or-return basis to highlight high-value works without space constraints overwhelming the cozy interior.

Launch and Enduring Mission

Debuting in autumn with a launch collection featuring talents like Tatty Devine, Crispin Finn, and Kangan Arora, the shop quickly established itself as a hub for distinctive style. Curated by experts attuned to creativity and craftsmanship, these inaugural pieces set a high bar, focusing on eco-conscious designs and timeless appeal. Beyond commerce, it doubles as a learning laboratory during off-hours, mirroring gallery and retailer operations to immerse students in commercial realities.

Curated Makers and Cultural Threads

Meet makers like Anisha Oliver, whose vibrant illustrations draw from Jamaican and Ghanaian roots, or Seda, exploring sustainable materials through water-inspired patterns. These creators, fresh from UAL colleges, infuse products with personal narratives—sunflower motifs symbolizing creative joy, or repurposed plastics in playful pouches. The biannual open calls ensure fresh rotations, keeping the inventory dynamic and reflective of London's diverse creative pulse.

Compact Space, Immense Impact

Though small, the shop's layout maximizes discovery, with eye-catching displays inviting lingering exploration. Seasonal highlights, like Christmas baubles in felt and ceramic or exclusive tea towels, add festive charm without compromising the core focus on originality. Proceeds fuel UAL initiatives: workshops, funding, competitions, and one-on-ones, creating a virtuous cycle that sustains artistic ambition in a competitive industry.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near not just a shop

Popular Hotels near not just a shop

Select Currency