Award-winning bookshop revamps displays

THE South Street bookshop is one of only five winners in the UK and Ireland to have its windows professionally designed.

Blackdowns bookshop, run by retired teachers Sue and Richard D’Rosario, has won a prize draw sponsored by Bloomsbury to have its window hand-painted by creative arts agency We the Seeds.

The vibrant storefront display features a hand-painted design inspired by the cover of Katherine Rundell’s bestselling book Impossible Creatures, to promote and celebrate the paperback release of the fantasy novel.

After receiving an email from Bloomsbury with an offer to win, Sue entered the ‘impossible creatures competition’ and was one of five lucky people to have her window decorated.

Sue and Richard say they are delighted to have won.

Richard said: “Rikesh and Martha from public arts agency We the Seeds spent the day with us painting our window.

“They received a lot of compliments from people and even offers for private orders.

“The finished product is truly impressive and, as fate would have it, coincides with the third anniversary of our store opening in November 2021.

“During this time, we have built an active and loyal customer base, enjoyed hosting author events and developed a number of connections with local schools and their literacy initiatives.”

Sue added: “Winning this competition means we know our highlight for children this Christmas will be Impossible Creatures.”

We Seeds artists Rikesh and Martha will be painting the next winner’s window in Colchester next week and then in Dublin next weekend.