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Brian Schwartz, left and street cleaner Alfred Raymond
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Bookshop takes its final bow
A BOOKSELLER who has served famous actors at his theatrical
book shop for nearly 25 years is closing the doors to his Chalk
Farm business for the last time this weekend.
Brian Schwartz, an American who came to London in 1972, is busy
selling off his vast collection of theatre and film books in
preparation for his farewell party on Friday at the Chalk Farm
Road store.
He blames rising rents and a fall in sales for his decision.
He plans to re-open the store in Covent Garden.
He said: “I’m looking forward to trading in the area
that is the home to London theatre. I can no longer afford the
rent and Camden is not a book place anymore. Camden no longer
attracts the people who want to buy the sorts of books I sell.”
Mr Schwartz has an enviable list of patrons: he once served
Sharon Stone – “she came in looking for a fashion
book, she didn’t want to engage” – actor Simon
Callow, and Star Wars actor Ewan McGregor, who used to rehearse
with his uncle Denis Lawson in the theatre below the shop before
he was famous.
Although looking forward to working in Tavistock Street, Mr
Schwartz said he will miss his customers – especially street
cleaner Alfred Raymond, who has been popping into the shop while
on his round for years.
Mr Schwartz said: “He’ll always give me a challenging
request for a book – he’ll only remember it’s
red, and that he saw it at a friend’s flat once.”
Mr Raymond added: “I’ll miss Brian. He’s a very
polite man who always says good morning.” |
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