Reg and Laurie's antiquarian bookshop, opened in London's Soho in 1968.

Collection

Humble beginnings for the Kingsley and Lovelace Collection in late 60's London.

Established with capital from Reg's family printworks Kingsley Press, the bookshop was initially an outlet for disposing of unsold print. The two young friends diversified into rare titles, building a reputation for alternative magazines, sub-culture and mystical books, as well as mixing business with pleasure in a thriving city. The bookshop became a magnet for the free thinkers of the day - students, rock musicians, pop artists and political activists all frequented the shop, signing up for evening seminars and late night members-only parties at the nearby Bunker Club.

Books were augmented with mystical curiosities, some imported from overseas, fueling Laurie's interest in magic and Reg's fascination with the paranormal. By the end of the 1970's, the bookshop had become a sizeable archive that was outgrowing its cramped premises. Reg was also worried about security and suggested they move the collection to a the abandoned chapel on Binley Bay seafront.

In modern times, Cordelia has been acting as an archivist, indexing the items within the collection assisted by the Jumping Jacks quantum computer Big Baby, and sharing interesting findings and connections with David and Carlos.