Analogue at Heart: Launch of Lars Müller Publishers’ First Nomadic Bookstore

Copenhagen, June 16th. We, Lars and I, land in the pouring rain but nothing can take away my excitement of launching Lars Müller Publishers’ first Nomadic Bookstore. I am eager to finally meet Tommy, the host of our shop in shop, and see his tiny vintage bookstore I heard so much about. Therefore, the queue for the taxis seems sheer endless and the ten minutes we have to wait feel like eternity.

Then, at last, I get to see Kirkegaards Antikvariat; love at first sight. Tommy’s attention to detail and his love for aesthetics are creating a warm and cozy atmosphere in his little store – the prefect place to sit down, enjoy flicking through books and forget about the outside world for a while. After the Skype sessions with Tommy and having worked with him for months we feel at ease immediately and have a lot to talk about.

Lars and Tommy are bonding over some books while I enjoy watching them and listening to their conversations. Two print lovers getting lost in a book – it’s always fascinating. No time to get lost though; it’s time to pitch our tent at Kirkegaards Antikvariat. We have to get the shop ready for our guests, there is still a lot to do. We have great fun unpacking and rearranging Tommy’s and our books. While Tommy is logistically coordinating, Lars is paying attention to the smallest details from placing our banner on Tommy’s shop window to carefully arranging forty Lars Müller Publishers books. The final result looks fabulous; everything is organized by color and categories.

Wine, snacks and strawberries are creating the perfect atmosphere to get lost in books, chat with each other and make new friends. Now we only have to wait for our guests hoping that they will enjoy our books and love the taste of the strawberries like I do – the best I have ever eaten.

We have the pleasure of meeting some lovely and interesting people during our stay in Copenhagen; photographers, designers, some of Tommy’s friends and some new friends. My personal highlight is when Lars and Tommy start discussing the value of books with their guests initiating a lively and active discussion everybody takes part in.

As all good things have to come to an end, so does our time in Copenhagen. While Lars and I have to go back to Switzerland our books will stay at Kirkekaards Antikvariat, Islands Brygge 25, until mid August.

Visit Tommy at his tiny, with care and love decorated vintage bookshop. Thanks to his extensive knowledge of photography books and literature he is always happy to show you around and provide additional information on his books. To learn more about Tommy and how is admiration for books has developed read our interview with him here.

We had fun and hope so did you! It was lovely meeting you all. (sh)