Trader swaps market for permanent home

Slightly Foxed, the popular second-hand book stall and regular feature of Berwick's Buttermarket, has given up the open air life.
Slightly Foxed book shop on Bridge Street.
 Picture by Jane ColtmanSlightly Foxed book shop on Bridge Street.
 Picture by Jane Coltman
Slightly Foxed book shop on Bridge Street. Picture by Jane Coltman

Owner Dr Simon Heald, who took on the business seven years ago, has opened permanent premises on Bridge Street.

He felt he had taken the business as far as possible on the charter market so made the bold move to take on an empty shop unit.

Dr Simon Heald at the Slightly Foxed book shop on Bridge Street.
 Picture by Jane ColtmanDr Simon Heald at the Slightly Foxed book shop on Bridge Street.
 Picture by Jane Coltman
Dr Simon Heald at the Slightly Foxed book shop on Bridge Street. Picture by Jane Coltman
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Simon said: “Bridge Street seemed the natural home for a bookshop.

“The existing range of independent and individual businesses already there meant that we felt that we would fit right in.

“Since opening, we have received a warm welcome from fellow Bridge Street businesses and people seem very pleased to see a bookshop back on the street again after a 10-year absence.”

Expanding on the advantages of the change, he said: “This move has allowed us to increase the number and range of books available, as we have always been somewhat limited by how many books it was physically possible to move in a day.

Artist William Hamilton at  the Slightly Foxed book shop on Bridge Street.
 Picture by Jane ColtmanArtist William Hamilton at  the Slightly Foxed book shop on Bridge Street.
 Picture by Jane Coltman
Artist William Hamilton at the Slightly Foxed book shop on Bridge Street. Picture by Jane Coltman
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“It has also allowed the creation of a small gallery of reproduction LS Lowry prints, including examples of work carried out during his many visits to Berwick and the display of framed and unframed original vintage movie posters.

“Of course, there is also the bonus of now being able to trade five or six days a week, whereas previously we were always hostage to the weather.”

During the renovations at the new shop, fascinating architectural features were revealed, some of which had been hidden for decades. These include an impressive cupola to the rear of the building, which has been painted with a Berwick panorama by local artist William Hamilton. This is proving to be a popular attraction and some of William’s original paintings, as well as limited edition prints of his work, are available to buy.