One of the more curious curiosities that Bridie gathered into the shop was a marvellous collection of Gnomes. At the end of the fortnight, they have all found new homes, but I suspect that none are going to be happier than a little chap who for some reason (I cannot think why) has been christened ‘Ben’ and moved last week to Wimbledon. We are told that he will be living within earshot of the All England Club and will be eating strawberries and cream every June. Lucky Ben!
As it happens, a very handsome 19th century Gnome introduced our Cabinet of Curiosities to the world. For those that were not able to attend the opening, or to visit the shop, here are a few photographs by way of a record of the occasion (although the Cabinet does live on in our Curiosities department…) Make sure that you spot the bust of Pitt the Younger, Ken Dodd’s tickle sticks, a private collection of sand lighthouses, and a giant tadpole along the way… and watch this space for even more weird and wonderful happenings in Autumn 2011.
