GOSH! COMICS TO OPEN BOLD NEW STORE IN THE HEART OF SOHO
Doors open Saturday, 6th August, 2011
London’s iconic comic shop Gosh! uproots for the first time in 25 years for new, bigger premises at No. 1 Berwick Street, Soho, opening on Saturday the 6th of August, 2011. Before we go, Gosh! are saying goodbye to our old home with a signing by Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill at 39 Great Russell Street on the 30th of July to celebrate the launch of their much-anticipated League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century 1969.
Joining Moore and O’Neill is Gary Spencer Millidge (Strangehaven) who will be signing copies of his new book, Alan Moore: Storyteller, the most comprehensive and accurate biography of one of Britain’s most creative minds ever published. Boasting a wealth of never-before-seen material it will be of interest to fans both old and new.
For the last 25 years Gosh! has been a destination for comics fans from around the world, recognised globally for our pursuit of the very best the medium has to offer. From translated European albums to mainstream superhero antics; vintage children’s books to contemporary graphic fiction; compulsively readable manga to cutting edge small press by both local and international artists, Gosh! has got something for everyone — and now we’ve got double the space to do it in. At our new location in the heart of London, Gosh! will expand on their famously eclectic mix to encompass street art, contemporary graphic design and more, making a fitting addition to the creative hub that is Soho.
The new-look shop in Berwick Street is designed by Callum Lumsden, notable designer of bookshops in both the Tate Modern and Gosh!’s longtime neighbour, the British Museum. He works extensively with retail guru Mary Portas, who has showcased his exciting revamp designs on her Channel 4 television shows Mary Queen of Shops and Mary Portas Secret Shopper. Callum cites comics as one of the key inspirations in his decision to pursue a career in design, making him an ideal fit for Gosh! — one of London’s oldest and most esteemed purveyors of the medium.
“When we opened Gosh! 25 years ago we did so with the aim of creating an environment unlike any other comic shop of the time,” says owner Josh Palmano. “We wanted to reach out to the public at large and welcome all into what was then quite a specialist market. Times have changed and you can now find a graphic novel section in any high street bookstore.
“At our new premises we’ll continue to use our knowledge and expertise to offer assistance to all, from the die-hard comics fan to the curious novice. Our expanded space will give us room to host more creator talks, art exhibitions and other events and we have plenty of other plans by which we hope to achieve ever greater recognition for this art form. As always, we strive to be the destination for anyone with an interest in the medium of comics.”
Gosh! manager Andrew Salmond says that “Comics are richer in breadth, depth and – most importantly – quality than ever before. Our new premises in Berwick Street will allow us all manner of exciting opportunities to showcase this amazing medium. Whatever your tastes, however unfamiliar you are with comics, we will be able to find a graphic novel to suit. There’s a whole world of literature to discover here, and we’re looking forward to introducing people to it.”
Gosh! opens at No. 1 Berwick Street on Saturday the 6th of August at 10am, with more signings and events to be announced on our website in the coming weeks. For a chance to shake hands with two masters of the medium whilst saying goodbye to much-loved London haunt, head along to 39 Great Russell Street on the 30th of July — Gary Spencer Millidge will be signing from 12pm to 1pm, with Moore and O’Neill to follow at 2pm ‘til 6pm. When Gosh! opens its freshly polished doors in August it will undoubtedly be an extraordinary new beginning.
Our lovely “We’re Moving” flyer has been illustrated by the talented Luke Pearson.
