Liverpudlians with a passion for Harry Potter will no doubt be aware that our city has played a part in the hugely successful film franchise, with cast and crew visiting Liverpool back in 2009 to film scenes for The Deathly Hallows Part 1 in our very own Queensway Tunnel. Fans of the wizarding world may also know that in early 2016, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden Limited loaned Hagrid’s motorbike and sidecar to Museum of Liverpool, as part of our Reel Stories: Liverpool and the Silver Screen exhibition. While unfortunately we could only keep this fantastic piece of local film history until June this year, fans will be delighted to know that our shop at Museum of Liverpool still has a range of magical gifts on offer to anyone who may be looking for a perfect Potter piece this Christmas.
And the timing couldn’t be better – JK Rowling’s new screenplay Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is out today, created by the team behind Harry Potter. The prequel to the series follows the story of a former Hogwarts pupil in 1926 New York, however many of the scenes were filmed in Liverpool rather than the big apple. St George’s Hall, the Cunard Building and the commercial district are all featured in this new blockbuster, bringing yet more Harry Potter history to Liverpool and exciting many of our staff, some of whom are huge fans of the films. Here, they pick their favourite fantastic gifts and explain where to find them…
Sirius-ly cool Signs
Know someone whose house is a Hogwarts haven? Pick up one of our metal signs to hang on the wall – there’s plenty of choice, from Platform Nine and Three Quarters to a Defence Against the Dark Arts design.
Harry Potter signs, £5 available online and from Museum of Liverpool
Mug-gles
Make sure your muggle mates don’t go thirsty with our selection of heat changing mugs. When you pour hot water into this Dark Mark design, it will reveal the Dark Lord’s green mist around the lettering. We also offer Marauder’s Map and Patronus cups too which reveal hidden charms. Turns out you don’t need an education at Hogwarts to practice magic after all!
Harry Potter mugs, £9 available online and from Museum of Liverpool
Spellbinding Rucksacks
Trendy would-be wizards and witches will love this rucksack, emblazoned with the Gryffindor emblem. Perfect for carrying all of your spellbooks and potions!
Harry Potter rucksack, £30 available from Museum of Liverpool
Wand-erful Badges
Which house do your friends and family belong to? Whether it’s Gryffindor or Slytherin, they can show their allegiance with these great badges. Or if you’d rather play it safe, opt for this Hogwarts design or the Quidditch badge.
Harry Potter Badges, £4 available online and from Museum of Liverpool