London Shopfronts: Illustrations of the City's Best-Loved Spots

Joel Holland's love letter to London's most cherished shops celebrates the city's past and present, its diversity and vivaciousness. The book divides the city into five navigable sections and highlights its diverse mix of cultures. It includes over two hundred shopfronts, from stately bookshops to trendy restaurants, bars, and boutiques.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 05 September 2023
Publisher: Prestel

London, a city steeped in history and culture, has a vibrant and diverse shopping scene that reflects its rich tapestry. From iconic bookshops to trendy boutiques, the city offers a treasure trove for shoppers of all ages and tastes. Illustrator Joel Holland's love letter to London's most cherished shops, "London Storefronts," celebrates the city's past and present, as well as its diversity and vivaciousness.

Holland's first book, "NYC Storefronts," was born out of his longing for the places he couldn't visit in his hometown during the COVID-19 lockdown. With the same passion and dedication, he set his sights on London, a city that feels at once ancient and modern, traditional and quirky, homey and hip.

"London Storefronts" captures the essence of the city through a series of charming illustrations and captivating descriptions by London-based journalist Rosie Hewitson. The book divides the city into five navigable sections (Central, North, East, South, and West), highlighting its diverse mix of cultures. Each chapter is a sprawling selection of shops, brought to life by Holland's delightful drawings and Hewitson's evocative descriptions.

This collection of more than two hundred shopfronts showcases the gamut of old and modern-day London. From stately bookshops to trendy restaurants, bars, and boutiques, the city offers a wide range of shopping experiences. Some places are profiled in depth, including storied jazz club Ronnie Scott's, Hatchards, the UK's oldest-surviving bookshop, Caribbean record store People's Sound, Rowan's Tenpin Bowling Alley, beloved Turkish restaurant Mangal II, and gender-affirming hairdressers Open Barbers. Each one is lovingly detailed in Holland's gentle tones, providing a glimpse into the unique character and charm of these establishments.

"London Storefronts" is not just a guide to discovering the Big Smoke's shopping offerings; it is also a lasting keepsake for London lovers of every age and style. Whether you are a local or a visitor, this book will transport you to the heart of the city and inspire you to explore its hidden treasures. So, grab your shopping bags and embark on a journey through the streets of London, where history, culture, and fashion collide in a truly magical way.

Weight: 567g
Dimension: 241 x 191 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783791389158