I was at Faber and Faber the other day and it was time for a lunch break. Pub lunch just didn’t feel like the ticket today, so it was off to Starbucks for a short latte and some sort of simple sandwich. The shop was crowded, and being just opposite the British Museum, one of London’s busiest coffee shops. I placed my order and waited for the Barista to make that perfect cup of coffee when I looked up and saw this amazing row of decorated Starbucks Cups. Me, never minding my own business, asked the Barista, what’s with the cups?
What a wonderful surprise to learn that my hardworking Barista was none other than the artist! This discovery just made my day.
Gabriel, who at first I thought was about 20 at the most, is a French artist, and just cracking that age mark of 40. I want what he has! Never fading youth! His amazing drawings are natural talent as he only study art for a year! Mind you that was when he was around 12 years of age.
Gabriel is an amazing Barista and how lucky Starbucks is to have him! He loves to see the happiness on the customer’s face when he offers them a personalised cup! It’s quite a challenge to draw these cups as he not drawing on a flat surface, and that curve has to be taken into account! These are just a few of his cups! When you get tired of staring at Mummies and Greek Statues in the fantastic British Museum, pop into the Starbucks just across the road, and if you are lucky, you’ll discover that your Barista not only makes fabulous coffee, but is also an amazing artist!
Here’s the boring bits…
Photographs supplied courtesy of Gabriel and all the art work on these cups belong to the artist.
Cool post – and have a couple of questions real quick like.
So does Gabriel only make the cups for this location – or can you find his work in other locations?
And I assume these are plastic cups? Also, wonder if there are other barista artists that do this too? how cool.
anyhow, next to Crate and Barrel coffee mugs – the Starbucks mugs and travel cups are usually some of our favorites. Usually they have such nice quality with something design unique- and so it is not surprising that you looked up and saw these amazing art designed cups there.
Hi Prior! Are they fun cups! I hope Starbucks takes notice and grabs Gabriel to decorate cups! He only makes cups at the location he works! They are the paper cups not plastic.
It was such a treat to see his artwork whilst I waited for my coffee! Such a treat!
oh, I see – and thanks for letting me know! and well – how cool that you are able to share his art with the world – and how cool he shares it with the customers like this!
and Starbucks should indeed consider doing something with this great idea…. and I also liked the owl face too – (the one maybe waking up still) and shows a bit of this artist’s personality too…
speaking of that – time for my second cup – it’s Honduras K-cups today…. (*** cheers***)
Cheers! I love his decaf cup! That owl looks like he’s going to register a major complaint about lack of caffeine! Fingers crossed the world will love his art!
Was a real pleasure Susan 😉
He does them at home
not too important – but can you change my their to there
done! 🙂
He’s 40 and looks 20????? Is he washing his face with coffee grounds??? I’ve heard that’s a good thing to do!!
LOL that’s a good one !
Beautiful blog Susan. 🙂
thanks Gabriel, I just love writing it!