The Book Shops of Charing Cross Road

I know, Soho is better known for its theatres, throngs of tourists and its seediness. But Charing Cross Road is best known for its bookshops and I've noticed the sheer number of them too, while trying to wind my way through the crowds, trying not get run over by people or traffic.

Last week I had the unintentional pleasure of being in Soho early in the morning, when the workday was only just beginning, most of the shops and cafes were closed and the tourists were presumably still in bed. It was lovely. And because I had my camera on me, I decided it was the perfect time to document these bookshops.

(click on pictures to enlarge)

Any Amount of Books - a treasure trove of secondhand books.



Henry Pordes - yet another antiquarian heaven, and an old and renowned name themselves

Koenig Books - one of the last few remaining design-specialist bookshops on the road

Starting from Leicester Square tube station, these book shops seem to progress towards Tottenham Court Road in a roughly decreasing order of specialism. Most of these bookshops on the east side of the road reside on the ground floor of an old housing estate - and thanks to the landlord revising the rents sharply upwards, a number of these bookshops have had to close shutters recently. One of the latest casualties is Shipley Books:

R.I.P

Then there are the larger generalist stores towards the Tottenham Court Road side.

But the largest of all these is Foyles. This particular branch of Foyles is supposed to be the largest in the UK - and I can personally vouch for their great collection spread over five floors.

Foyles, in fact, was the reason I was at Charing Cross Road in the first place - I was here to drop off my prints for the month-long Slow Exposure Exhibition at the Ray's Jazz Cafe within Foyles. The exhibition went up on Friday, 24th April and will go on until 24th May. Two of my pictures are part of the 28 exhibits but I honestly think some of the other photographers' work is much more worthy and truly commendable! Do go have a look.

As I've written previously, the Slow Exposure exhibition is part of the Slow Down London Festival and Foyles is running several events as part of the festival. I think it's a great concept - something each of one us needs to...well, slow down and give a thought to.

And if you agree with the thought, take the time out - saunter into one of these bookshops and lose yourself in the books. Browse for hours. Do it slowly. :)

Launching the Flaneurbanite Print Shop!

Here it is, finally! The print shop with a component towards charity that I've been wanting to set up for ages and that I spoke about here.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade Shilpz.etsy.com

I'm pleased to say that up to 25% of all sales from the shop will go towards charity. And this is just a start - hopefully, if the prints generate enough interest to translate into volumes, I might be able to donate up to 40% of the proceeds!

At the moment, I have only included two charities that I trust and support - the causes of underprivileged children and wildlife conservation are close to my heart. I know that there are a large number of charities out there that are doing some great work, but are cash-strapped. Please let me know if you personally know any of the people who run these charities - I'd be really happy to get in touch with them to see how the print shop can help.

Thank you all SO much for your encouragement and support in this little venture - it's all for a good cause - so please do spread the word! And as always your feedback would be highly appreciated.

Click through on the flash image above to go to the shop now.

If you think you'd like to purchase a print of any of the pictures that appear on this blog or gift it to someone, please do email me or leave me a comment and I'll make it possible.

Saying Thanks!

Two updates from me:

1. The good people over at Londonist have paid this little blog a huge compliment by interviewing me about it. I am totally floored. You can read the interview here. Please do read the last bit and let me know what you think of the prints for charity idea. [I'm particularly interested in contributing towards Child Welfare and Animal Protection Societies].

A Private Island in The City
Previously seen here.

2. Londonist also recently ran a photography competition in collaboration with Slowdown London, called Slow Exposure. The submitted photographs needed to identify with the essential ethos of the Slowdown London project, as well as with the quirky, positive, eclectic image of Londonist.

I am thrilled to report that two of my photographs (one of them above) were selected in the top 30 that will be exhibited for a whole month (24th April to 24th May) at the Ray's Jazz Cafe at Foyles (Charing Cross, London). Do please drop by the exhibition if you're in London (entry is free). Londonist is also organising a Private view and Party (RSVP) on the 1st of May at the same venue, where the top 5 winners will be announced. I'll be there, and I'd love it if you drop by and say hello! (I'll be the deliriously happy one). See you there!

And a huge thank you to all of you who've so far commented on or about this blog- here or elsewhere; sent informed critiques and suggestions my way; taken the time to dwell over the pictures and the stories I try to tell and continued to encourage me. I might not be in action for a few days but promise to be back soon with a whole lot more.