The store will open its doors in Fortis Green Road in the first week of September and will also sell records and art, and host literary events.
Although it’s on the same street as the Children’s Bookshop, Muswell Hill Books and Parlour won’t be competing with them – or the likes of Daunts.
Transformation of the former funeral parlour is underway with the shop set to open in early September. (Image: Chris Masson) Owner Chris Masson, who grew up in Muswell Hill, previously worked for a long period at Black Gull Books in East Finchley. He says: “That’s where I fell into the second hand book game”.
“We won’t be doing anything like Waterstones,” he added. “Ninety per cent of our books will be used and if we do sell new books they will be editions of old books.
“I enjoy the treasure hunt aspect of used books. I find it more fun and interesting.”
The shop takes over the site of Cooksey and Son funeral parlour which closed last year, and in a nod to its past there will be a ‘Parlour room’ available to hire for birthday parties, yoga classes, and toddler groups.
Chris, who also ran a branch of Black Gull Books in Camden Market for four years, says his partner Katrina will be in charge of renting it out for celebrations and gatherings.
“Muswell Hill is a great community,” he said. “I grew up here and went to Fortismere and moved back here in May. We are doing something that hasn’t been done here for a while – I have no idea how it’s going to go but we are not in it for the money.”
The shop will also sell second hand books online, which is where Chris says the majority of books are now sold.
He added: “A bookshop like mine can only have so much stock. You are not going to turn up and find the long lost book you have been looking for unless you are lucky, but you might find stuff that’s interesting and intelligent.”
The news was greeted with excitement by the Muswell Hill Residents Association, with one posting on the Facebook page: “This place will be amazing! A local couple will be transforming this shop…. watch this space!!”
Chris’s partner Katrina Whisker posted: “Thank you for posting about our new shop! It will sell carefully curated used books, new books and art.
“Plus we will have a ‘Parlour Room’ which can be hired as a venue for community events and where we will host our own shindigs such as family parties and literary evenings open for the public. Can’t wait!”
