Brilliant Bookshops: Blackwell’s, Oxford
Although the first bookshop opened by a member of the Blackwell family started trading in 1846, they date their founding year as 1879 because it was on January 1st of that year that the bookshop on Broad Street, Oxford first opened its doors. Blackwell’s has been at the heart of Oxford’s book-world ever since. There are now two Blackwell’s bookshops (as well as their Art and Poster shop) and yesterday, as part of my Independent Bookshop week travels, I visited both!
The shop on Broad Street is one of my favourite places. The narrow doorways (tricky to negotiate on crutches!) lead you into the most amazing space of book-ish wonder and delight! Somehow, the shop manages to maintain the old-world charm promised by the exterior whilst offering a spacious, light environment - a true book-lover’s dream. As usual, I headed for the Children’s section, but you can go sideways, upstairs and down to explore books on just about any subject you can imagine!
I’m sure Blackwell’s only employ the smiliest, most enthusiastic people in their Children’s department as I have never come across anyone here who is anything but delightful. Knowledgeable and keen to help, they add to the lovely atmosphere of the section, making it a joy to linger in and discover that next treasure. I always love browsing the myths, legends and traditional tales they have on offer as it is one of the best I have discovered, but I also enjoy their table displays, often themed like the ‘Pride’ one in the picture above.
Somewhat poorer, I headed across town to Westgate, taking in the Oxford atmosphere along the way! The glass roof of the shopping centre made the very hot day even hotter so I was very glad to step into the cool of the shop! This new branch opened in 2017 and is a light, welcoming space with a very healthy children’s section!
The shop offers the same calm atmosphere of welcome as its sister and is light and airy. A beautiful tree stands near the entrance and ‘stepping stones’ on the floor lead you through the children’s section which is packed full of goodies. Staff here are as helpful as their colleagues on Broad Street, making it an excellent shop for those who might drop in whilst passing and then discover a whole new world of book-ish wonder!
Whether you visit Blackwell’s on Broad Street or Blackwell’s in the Westgate you are in for a real treat! What’s a visit to Oxford without this wonderful bookshop..?
Blackwell’s, 48-51 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3BQ
Blackwell’s, Westgate Shopping Centre, Queen St, Oxford OX1 1PE