Introducing: Books + Prints – A New Lowestoft Bookshop

A new venture in North Lowestoft ‘Books + Prints’ is hoping to be a key part of the regeneration of the historic High Street.

Lisa Hurcum and Hugh Davies moved from London to Lowestoft in 2016 and the following year created paper-works* printmaking studio for local artists as well as delivering community projects for Grit Fest, First Light and Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust.

They are both passionate ambassadors for Lowestoft. It’s a great place to live, not only because of the beautiful beaches and surrounding countryside but also because of its community. Lisa brought her children here for holidays when they were little and has been determined to move to the town ever since.

The High Street has seen exciting new independent shops appearing in the last two years. Darren Breeze’s wood turning shop, Art in Wood, Uncle Sid’s Zero Waste Store, Lennie’s Plants and most recently The Art Gallery and Door to the Cosmos coffee shop have all made the old High Street a desirable place to visit, not just for locals but for visitors too.

After discovering that the shop adjacent to Door to the Cosmos was available for rent and having always wanted to run a book shop after three days of intense discussion they had signed the lease. Within six weeks they had decorated, made bookshelves, created a work area with tables and printing press and stocked the shelves with donated books. All during the second Lockdown.

They shared a vision to create a place in Lowestoft that would be welcoming to everyone. A place with an exciting range of books, and a place that celebrates the wealth of artistic talent in the town.

Lisa explains, ‘We’ve managed to combine all the things we love best – books, art and (having knocked through into the coffee shop next door) coffee and cake! We hope that this will become an inspiring place. We have plans to offer printmaking courses, writing workshops and book club meetings when the world is righted again. We’ve been overwhelmed by the response of people in the town, everyone has been so positive and encouraging. We are well on the way to fulfilling our vision.’

The shop is open Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am till 4pm
Book + Prints, 113 High Street, Lowestoft, NR32 1HN