TikTok’s most-loved parents celebrate their 60th anniversary with an illustrated merch drop

If you’re a follower of James Barnett’s TikTok-famous parents Teresa and Michael, you’ll know that it’s been a busy two years for the iconic duo. Since we last caught up on their newfound internet fame, their youngest son and documentarian (James) got married, they were invited to the glitzy TikTok creator awards, and, in a brilliant turn of events, they’ve dipped their toes into the world of online influencing. Hold your horses – it’s not ‘influencing’ as we’ve been led to understand, in the fairly novel form of income and marketing; there’s no flashy jetsetting to farflung places or Michelin star meals. No, the pair have kept it quintessentially on brand, collaborating with the National Trust, Walkers crisps and Waitrose. But, today, the duo’s most exciting brand partnership to date has landed: A merch collaboration with the studio Arthouse Unlimited, all made to celebrate one very important milestone – 60 years of marriage.

As custom dictates, it’s usually expected to celebrate your 60th anniversary with diamonds. Instead, James’ parents have put their efforts into t-shirts, cards, tea-towels and more, something their fandom have been eagerly awaiting. “Our audience has long asked for merch, but we’ve never had the bandwidth to manage it,” says James. “Partnering with Arthouse Unlimited felt like the perfect solution, raising money for a fantastic cause while creating something meaningful.” Arthouse Unlimited is a studio and charity based in Surrey that showcases the artistic talents and skills of adults who live with diverse learning and physical disabilities. Local to the family, James says: “We’ve admired them for years: their energy, their brilliant artists, and their inspiring studio and shop space. Bringing their creativity together with my surreal family videos was the ideal way to celebrate Teresa and Michael’s 60th wedding anniversary.”

James, Teresa and Michael (dressed in their finest) spent the day in the Arthouse studio with the resident artists who drew the pair from life. The various sayings, situations and items that are referred to in the pieces are those that have arisen from the family’s Instagram and TikTok communities. “Certain lines and quirks have become part of a shared language across our channels, and we leaned into that lexicon to shape the visuals,” says James. A brilliant piece from Jack Churchyard captures the charmingly disgruntled nature of Michael perfectly – striped shirt, tie, suspenders and all – while another spot-on piece by Chris Potter brings to life Teresa’s well-loved saying ‘Horrid Birds’ with a particularly devilish looking avian. Printed across various different ephemera, the line is the perfect gift for a loved one or a treat to yourself, with all proceeds going to the Arthouse charity.

When asked what his parents would have thought 60 years ago, if they were told their youngest son would be celebrating their diamond anniversary with a merch drop and videos likely seen by millions, James responds quite simply: “They’d have been (characteristically) confused, suspicious… and then completely unbothered.”

You can see the full collection here and watch James’ celebration video here.