Ashmolean Museum welcomes new partners across areas like coffee, liqueurs and mosaic kits

The Ashmolean Museum’s licensing programme has welcomed five new licensees.

Atlantic Mats are on board, developing a range of mats inspired by objects from the museum, such as Iznik tiles and a Jali screen. These products are made with components including regenerated nylon from waste such as fishing nets and the company has a heavy focus on sustainability.

Elsewhere, China Petals are developing a range of mosaic kits with designs inspired by artefacts from the Ashmolean Museum, while the Indian Block Print Company are producing block printing kits.

In the drinks space, the Oxfordshire-based Gibson’s Organic Liqueurs are developing a range of Ashmolean liqueurs using ingredients such as Crab Apples. In addition, Jericho Coffee Traders have made a special heritage blend sold in a tin that features Turner’s painting of Oxford High Street – an artwork which is part of the Ashmolean’s collection.

“It is very satisfying to see these new licensees come on board,” said Ian Downes from Start Licensing – the Ashmolean’s licensing agency.

“They are joining a licensing programme that is enjoying great success both in qualitative and quantitative terms. These new licensees dovetail well with some of the key objectives we have, including working with local Oxfordshire businesses and being proactive where possible around sustainability. It is also great to be working with a number of ‘new to licensing’ companies — they bring fresh thinking and are reaching new market sectors.”

Dec McCarthy, Head of Publishing & Licensing at The Ashmolean Museum, added: “We are delighted to welcome our new partners to the Ashmolean’s licensing programme. The diversity and creativity is truly inspirational and I feel that we are finding many inventive ways to showcase the Museum’s incredible collections to a wider audience.

“We ensure close collaboration with all our licensees and work through every step of the development stages. It really is my definition of a true partnership.”