Advertisement
Become a member of the Big Issue community
JOIN
Ethical Shopping

Support our artists with The Big Issue's royal wedding shop collection

The artists will receive at least half of the proceeds

It’s almost time. All the speculation about who made the guest list, what she’ll be wearing, what he’ll be wearing – it all ends on Saturday when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tie the knot in Windsor.

And The Big Issue Shop has got just the thing to get that street party into full swing with the exclusive Royal Wedding Collection.

Offering a fresh perspective on the regal festivities, we tasked contributors to our Street Art pages who have experiences of homelessness to provide their own arty tribute to the happy couple.

Say ‘I was there’ with two souvenir magazine covers to collect – former army chef John Tovey, who has already had a brush with the royals when he cooked for the Queen, has designed a tabard-toting portrayal of the pair for England and Wales.

Geraldine Crimmins royal wedding
Geraldine-Crimmins-royal-wedding
Geraldine Crimmins' portrait is available in The Big Issue Shop

North of the border, partially sighted former vendor-turned-artist Jo Adamson offers a colourful different view with her own abstract drawing.

And if they don’t tickle your fancy then perhaps the realistic portrait from Geraldine Crimmins, who lost everything after a breakdown and turned her life around with an art course, will fit the bill. Or maybe John Sheehy’s ‘Great Day’ offering provides the best way to commemorate the event.

Advertisement
Advertisement

However you want to celebrate our expanding royal family, we’ve got you covered with mugs, t-shirts and tea towels that will add a crowning glory to a proud day for the nation.

John-Sheehy-royal-wedding

And best of all, for every one sold, the artists will receive at least half of the proceeds.

Alongside the best of The Big Issue, the collection also features a special range of celebratory items from non-profit brand For Richer, For Poorer.

Set up in the wake of Windsor council leader Simon Dudley’s call for the removal of homeless people before the wedding, the range harks back to royal wedding memorabilia of days gone by – with a deeper social message.

In addition to a celebratory motif, each souvenir features a bespoke crest by illustrator Alex Machin depicting issues faced by rough sleepers and what’s needed to get them off the streets for good.

For Richer For Poorer royal wedding
For-Richer-For-Pooreer-bunting
Bunting with a difference – For Richer For Poorer's helps put homeless people through job interviews

The proceeds of sales will go towards supporting homeless people in Windsor: from royal wedding staple bunting that helps provide the physical and psychological support required to get someone through a job interview to fridge magnets that will pay for a week of hot meals administered by charity partner the Windsor Homeless Project.

Murphy James, project development manager at the project, said: “Prince Harry and Meghan are both passionately committed to supporting those in need, including the UK’s homeless.

“By celebrating their special day with a hard-hitting message, For Richer, For Poorer really highlights the challenges our homeless communities face on a daily basis. Together we can make a difference to their lives.”

See the collection in The Big Issue Shop here.

Advertisement

Become a Big Issue member

3.8 million people in the UK live in extreme poverty. Turn your anger into action - become a Big Issue member and give us the power to take poverty to zero.

Recommended for you

View all
Designer and activist Katharine Hamnett on fast fashion, the planet and photobombing Thatcher
katherine hamnett
Second hand September

Designer and activist Katharine Hamnett on fast fashion, the planet and photobombing Thatcher

I have worn second hand clothes my whole life. I don’t know why anyone would shop new
lesley wearing her second hand finds
Second hand September

I have worn second hand clothes my whole life. I don’t know why anyone would shop new

Coffee that fights homelessness: Nespresso’s new £1m partnership with social enterprise Change Please
Three Change Please baristas promoting their Nespresso partnership
Sponsored content

Coffee that fights homelessness: Nespresso’s new £1m partnership with social enterprise Change Please

'The system is killing us': How B Corps are fighting injustice with socks, coffee and handbags
Ethical shopping

'The system is killing us': How B Corps are fighting injustice with socks, coffee and handbags

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know