Royal gift shop opens in Stow to mark Queen's Platinum Jubilee

Illustrator Naomi Hands-Smith has launched a pop-up shop in Stow to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Last year Naomi, from Ilmington, drew a tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore that went viral, being shared thousands of times on social media.

This year, she has turned her attention to another British icon.

She said: “A handful of scratchy drawings that started in the banks of the river Avon during the very hardest pandemic times in 2020 has now expanded into a collection of illustrations cards and prints that I post all over the world

“The Queen, just like Captain Tom, has been a great inspiration to many people and I’ve loved drawing her.

"The Queen has a loyal following all over the world and it’s a real delight that those looking for a memento of her special year have chosen mine.

“I've had some really lovely feedback and it’s been amazing to find out that some of my customers have bought one of my cards to send to the Queen herself, I hope she thinks they’re up to scratch!”

A selection of Naomi's designs will be on sale until June 5 at The Curated Store

The pop-up shop, in Talbot Square, will sell a range of prints and cards created by Naomi.

The designs are part of Naomi’s River Swan of Avon brand, which she set up following the success of her Captain Tom drawing last year.

Since the Jubilee year began, Naomi has had interest from across the UK and Europe and even as far as America and Australia.

The royal shop will be open until Sunday, June 5.

The prints and cards will also be on sale online and at Ilmington’s Jubilee Picnic on June 5.

Naomi's designs have attracted interest from across Europe as well as Australia and America