New Magazine shop opened by LCC alumnus
GMD alumnus Jeremy Leslie has just opened a shop selling international independent magazines in Clerkenwell. Jeremy founded magCulture in 2006 and has been championing new magazines and great editorial design ever since. magCulture has had an online shop since 2010 and has launched pop-ups at events, but the new store is its first permanent retail space. The building was formerly a newsagents – the original sign is still in place above the door – and sits alongside a launderette, a kebab shop and a food and wine shop on St John Street.
Inside, there’s a small selection of books on editorial design (including Spin and Ken Garland monographs and Unit Editions titles) and a wall-to-wall display of magazines. The store’s original sloping ceiling and terrazzo floor has been restored and there are a handful of chairs for customers to sit and have a read while they browse. magCulture’s studio will also be moving into the building, and Leslie says there will be regular magazine launch nights and talks from editors and founders.
“Other cities have great magazine shops with generous stocks and knowledgeable staff,” says Leslie. “I felt it was time London had that too. We have some good shops already, but they tend to also be bookshops or gift shops. Many aspects of the publishing business have suffered neglect in recent time, and the retail experience is no different. When was the last time you were impressed by a magazine shop?” he adds.
