[title]
Christmas has come early for magazine lovers in London. After five years online, the magCulture shop is finally opening its doors IRL and it’s going to be glorious! Over 500 titles will fill the former Clerkenwell newsagents, including international mags and independent and obscure journals often difficult to track down. Jeremy Leslie, the brains behind magCulture has considered every last detail of the space, even commissioning a ginormous moveable shelf-clad wall which can be wheeled back to extend the space for mag-themed events and launches. Although the space will attract many expert print purists (no gifts or stationery will be stocked, only magazines and books about publishing) the space is also intended for anyone and everyone with an interest in magazines to sit and devour new titles.
As well as a brand new shop to celebrate, Londoners can also hear from the makers themselves at a charity sale and conference at London College of Communication. Over the past few months, Stack – a magazine subscription service championing independent titles – has been on the hunt for the very best creations of the year. An awards ceremony to celebrate them took place at the end of last month, with categories ranging from ‘best use of illustration’ to ‘best cover’, but ultimately, all 170 entries and 76 shortlisted mags were vying for the ‘magazine of the year award’. Deservedly, it went to The Gourmand, a beautiful food and culture title which can of course be picked up from the magCulture shop. Following the event, founder Steven Watson was left with a tricky decision: crown himself king of all magazine collections, or share the wealth and sell them off for charity. Lucky for you lot he choose the latter and this Saturday he’ll be pitching up in south London selling the publications at half price with all proceeds going to L’Auberge des Migrants. A mini conference is also scheduled, with talks from Danny Miller (Weapons of Reason), Ibrahim Neeme (The Outpost), Lisa Lorenz (Nous) and Bertie Brandes and Char Roberts (The Mushpit).
The magCulture Shop opens today at 270 St John Street, EC1V 4PE. Opening hours are Wed-Fri 11am-7pm, and Sat noon-4pm. Find out more here.
Magazines for Good takes place at London College of Communication this Sat Dec 12, noon-4pm. Find out more here.