One of the things I loved so much about Edinburgh was the student vibe. Admittedly, a student vibe is not something I would typically care too much about, but there were two shops that convinced me otherwise.
On a suggestion from Design*Sponge’s Edinburgh guide, we stopped into Analogue Books, a tiny art and design specialty book shop nestled into a basement on Candlemaker Row in the Grassmarket area. I was instantly smitten. Bright white walls with hints of lemon yellow, Analogue is filled with publications, serious coffee table books, and arty prints.
I could have lingered for hours, flipping through pages and pages of books and magazines I probably won’t be able to find easily anywhere else. In fact, I got chatting with Ian, who was manning the store, who told me about the store, its owners, the philosophy. He said he often sees customers scribbling down the names of publications they think they can find on Amazon or elsewhere, only to see them back a week later after they’ve come up empty.
Ian then pointed out a whole rack of student publications and explained that although the shop doesn’t make much money on student work, they believe it’s important to help students get a start in the publishing world. A few of the students who have displayed their work in Analogue have gone on become quite successful, all because someone gave them an edge.
Cut to Godiva Boutique, just across the square from Analogue, where I had a similarly exciting chat with Fi, the cheerful girl minding the shop for owner Fleur MacIntosh. I was so excited when Fi explained to me that the shop used to sell only vintage clothes and used to employ students to refashion the clothes. Over time, the shop has begun selling the clothes designed by those students! And can I mention, some of what they sell is simply gorgeous. I had to tear myself away from the hand-dyed silk lingerie and baby dresses made from vintage fabrics.
In the back of the store, Godiva still sells a collection of vintage clothes. Altogether a tempting combination of clothes and accessories.
{this was the dressing area – the birds were a three-panel screen!}
I was so impressed and felt so welcomed in both shops. Both Ian and Fi were so friendly, willing to answer my questions but also excited to tell me everything about where they work. And they let me snap away with my camera! I left both shops feeling incredibly inspired at the willingness to help students start their dream jobs – what generosity of spirit!
Analogue Books: 39 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH1 2QB, Scotland, UK. +44 0131 220 0601
Godiva Boutique: 9 West Port, The Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH12JA, Scotland, UK. +44 0 131 221 9212
3 Comments
Analogue is the best! A bit dangerous though – I wanted EVERTHING : )
Me too!! I literally could have stayed for hours! Do you know if there’s anything that compares in Dublin?
Love reading about your travels, Emily. Keep searching out these special places.