P and G Wells, Booksellers, in College Street, Winchester ©Austenonly
Keeping to the theme of Jane Austen’s Bookshop…if you click here you will be taken to a page on the Winchester Bindery site to some photographs of the shops in College Street, Winchester which is now P. and G. Wells booksellers. During Jane Austen’s life time it was owned by John Burdon, and was the bookshop where Jane and her family had an account.
There is one photograph, taken circa 1860, which shows the shopfront as I imagine it must have appeared at the time when Jane Austen and her family knew it, in the late 18th early 19th century. Fascinating to see, and also to compare and contrast it with the modern shop front. The black and white photographs showing the interiors are astounding.
11 comments
July 3, 2012 at 12:53 pm
Else T
What is truly amazing is that it REMAINS a bookshop! Thanks for this post…the pics are fantastic.
July 3, 2012 at 5:36 pm
jfwakefield
I really agree with you! Independent bookshops are rare,aren’t they?We have two near to where we live and I do try to patronise them as much as possible.
July 3, 2012 at 5:34 pm
cathyallen
I just spent over an hour wandering around the Winchester Bindery site, and from there, the Bookbinders’ sites; absolutely FASCINATING! (I’ve long had an interest in bookbinding, but never tried it :-) ) The history! The process! And the photographs…I agree with you, astounding! Thank you, Julie for the information and the link.
I’m still hoping about the Chawton House Library making their slide show and catalog available… :-)
July 3, 2012 at 5:37 pm
jfwakefield
My pleasure. I too hope we get to see the catalogue as a whole.
July 4, 2012 at 8:16 pm
Kristel
Hello! Just wanted to say I really enjoy reading about your posts on Austen. So I nominated you for a Versatile Blogger Award. :)
Nomination: http://thebadbread.wordpress.com/2012/07/04/versatile-blogger-award-thank-yous-and-nominees/
Award: http://versatilebloggeraward.wordpress.com/about/
~Kristel
July 4, 2012 at 8:20 pm
jfwakefield
OH! Thank you so much- off to investigate *blush*
July 4, 2012 at 8:23 pm
Kristel
It’s just a button and possibly more traffic–hopefully, they’ll feature your blog in their site. :) Always good to get more posts about Austen out there.
July 4, 2012 at 8:29 pm
jfwakefield
Well that *is* very kind of you.Im glad you are enjoying the site, Kristel :)
July 7, 2012 at 9:43 pm
Kelli
Very cool! This is now on my bucket list of places to visit.
July 9, 2012 at 8:01 am
jfwakefield
It is worth visiting- and easily “do-able” on a Jane-related Winchester trip, as it is just outside the Cathedral close and of course it is found on the same street as the house where JAne Austen died and Winchester College ;)
July 12, 2012 at 1:23 pm
datadea
This is so cool! To shop where Jane shopped – definitely going on the Jane trip list..