And as often happens with empty spaces, the size, the acoustics and even the very nature of the building alter so that instead of a busy area of commerce it becomes something quite, quite different. The shop was a friendly inviting home to many, where they could happily while away some spare time. Now there is a definite air, a stillness. It has that dense silence as if a great choir has just ceased singing – the ecclesiastical atmosphere heightened by the image of Archangel Gabriel taken by Stephen Estall from the now destroyed stained glass window of St Mary's Anglican Church, Merivale.

The good news. however, is that of course we have a new temporary space. We'll be opening again at 40 Lichfield Street, next to the new Central Library, and we hope to enliven our customers with new, fresh and interesting products. It will be a real joy to be able to reconnect with our friends and hopefully make some new ones.

Shop opens Monday 13 August. 10am–5pm