A real life Diagon Alley? My first trip to an actual 'Curious Shoppe'

One thing I find fascinating in Norwich is that you can really find the most niche businesses in the world... Businesses that would struggle to get foot traffic in most places seem to thrive in Norwich and it's not uncommon to see the business owner out in the evening at their local getting the odd wave from a regular customer or even a business neighbour.

No really. These roads are everywhere.

I got told about Elm Hill quite a few years ago. A buddy said there was a game store down there that had been running for decades and was pretty much unchanged since he first went in and one day after a particularly bad stroke of luck (I got stood up for a date and then all my trains were delayed by a few hours) I stumbled down the pathway and was met with the cobblestone roads that the area had become known for.

At first look the street feels empty and unusually quiet, almost like the buildings are only used for luxury listed houses and the occasional restaurant or bistro.... But then you look up slightly and realise the lack of street signs and sandwich boards is because the pathways are too narrow to actually put anything out. A parked car can cause gridlock if poorly timed and its not uncommon to see delivery drivers doing the fastest drops of their lives because of the lack of clear parking space or pathways to jump out with the park anywhere lights on.

It's pretty common to see these built in
boot cleaner/scrapers along the older
streets next to the antiquated doors

The traditional iconic hanging sign is easily spotted in these streets to mark the often concealed store entrances. It really did take me back to all the fantasy games I've played where you can spend days walking around the towns just trying to see how the buildings look in the different lighting conditions. 

It's also eerily quiet walking along these streets, likely from the buildings that seem to block out the hum of the bustling city and instead the calm whispers of Tourists pointing at the buildings with an occasional "Oh gosh wow." at the haphazard construction of a wonky house and it's equally aged thatched cottage neighbour looking over the river.

Though spotting Alice only reassured me
that I was stepping into the rabbit hole

The curious shoppe was well hidden and without the tip off from Georgia on the post I'd have likely ignored the opening. If anyone was on the morning commute and saw me I can assure you I'm not planning an elaborate heist of Norwiches riches. I was just very lost... nothing suspicious to see here.

The entrance to the store is concealed with a gate that leads into a small courtyard with a coffee house. Another potential spot at a later date for lunch, though likely more suited to when the place is actually opened and not adorned with signs marking it's closure.... hopefully unrelated to my post on secret Norwich.

 

Because of course
it's in one of these
old buildings.

The store front adds to the mystic feel of the shop and location. The bulging antiquated exterior of modern developments layered on top of an aged historical building really made the initial scene once you stepped through the gate. I didn't know if I was going to get a bargain or end up with a sealed box containing a Mogwuai.....

It felt like I was stepping out of the city into a bygone era as I approached the heavy wooden door and peered into the window. It was intoxicating looking through the grate on the window and seeing what looked like an antique lounge preserved in times of years gone by. Sadly like Gol D. Roger and his crew, I had arrived too early... also he didn't open till 10am so I should have checked that before trekking down the cobbles but the silence only improved the mystery in the air.

Peering inside reveals the depth within....

I went on my way after taking a few snaps and looked up the store to find some information about it.

Turns out he was also featured in the paper and even in the 'Globes' art project, with a piece capturing him at work in his store. So there was alot to see before I could get the chance to visit, while I browsed some of the team at work said they'd heard about this place and someone told me there was a owl that the guy kept as a pet. This I had to see.

Lunch came and I grabbed my stuff and shoved food in my mouth as quickly as I could to get down there and back within my break. I was met with the courtyard now filled with some unique antiques and taxidermy... Slowly I walked into the lounge area of the shop and was met with what I expected a Taxidermy store would smell like. It wasn't unpleasant but it was definitely unique...

No really, the Skeleton is real

I waved at the guy and looked around with awe inspired eyes. Every corner of the area was decorated with different sculptures, curious pieces of history, oil paintings and the most curious of all sights. The Taxidermy White Mice displayed in multiple dioramas in Bell Jars. There was also, a human skeleton sporting a black Parasol in the corner of the room suspended from the ceiling. 

I asked if it was ok to take pictures for my Blog as I was trying to document everything unique in Norwich that I could find. He smiled and said of course and mentioned he'd read the article and recognised me, which in all honesty is something that I still cannot get used to. I have had quite a few waves when I've been spotted in the city looking around at strange buildings and landmarks though which is nice. :D

Apparently the skeleton was there when he moved in and someone had berated him about the ethics of displaying a human skeleton and exploiting it for business.... We kind of joked about how the skeleton is likely more popular now he's hanging around a taxidermy shop for a living than when he was alive. Eventually we changed the topic...

We got talking about the article and random finds we'd both found, turns out he was also in the EDP (The article that I found at work) and had had many new viewings since. He gave his blessing and we traded a few words. Mostly me being in awe at the details of the surrounding pieces of art.

I had to double take when I saw the one
on the books clambering on the spine

The first thing you'll notice is that the white Taxidermy mice are everywhere. Some are arranged in detailed dioramas holding objects aloft with their cheeks pinned in such a way that they hold true character. Some take a second to be appreciated, like the one swimming underwater in a delicate dive pose surrounded by coral and rocks. It was then that he hit me with the most beautiful phrase I've ever heard whilst surrounded by taxidermy.

"They're already beautiful, I just try to put them in the right pose."

One praying, One cheering and one with
the cheekiest of grins

It took me a second to really take this in, but it filled me with joy as he sat there working on his latest Mouseterpiece that he could have an outlook like that on Taxidermy. I quickly realised, the mice were all of the white small variety, usually referred to as Pinkies in pet shops.

I didn't ask if they were all sourced this way, I feel like that's an awkward conversation however you phrase it. I did notice what looked like a Stuffed Bison behind him in his workshop though, I imagine a 'true' antique like the Pheasant and Cockerel that were encased on the walls normally seen in olde pubs and tailors specialising in tweed and hunting clothing.

The range of items is fascinating....

We ended up talking at great deal about hidden secrets in Norwich and he tipped me off about checking out Thorpe Island at some point for what he called 'Abandoned Sunken Cars'.

I'd launched from the area adjacent to Thorpe when I paddled through Norwich and stumbled upon the Pumpworks angel and sunken lamppost mentioned in the article but didn't know quite the extent of Thorpe Islands history... I guess that'll be an adventure for another time.

The Tortoise shell
really adds a
different tone

We got talking about some small bits around the room and we exchanged general pleasantries about the hidden side of Norwich, I cant fault how polite the guy was about everything, I'd never really planned to speak to anyone offline about the entire thing unless I needed directions and he was so genuine I really just wanted to learn more about how he'd ended up in this position and the bits he told me about just made me want to call in sick for the afternoon and run around Norwich trying to find them all. (Largely sarcasm for any of my work colleagues reading!)

But alas, the call of lunch ending and my stomach roaring in displeasure reminded me to get back to it so I thanked the guy and made sure to mention that I would definitely be back come payday, a statement my wife later backed up when I got home and showed her all the mice pictures.

If you get a chance, head down one of these side streets in Norwich and keep an eye out for this little slice of Curious trade tucked away in the side streets. It's a lovely walk and who knows maybe you'll find a gift for that person who's just a pain in the behind to buy for!

And I wasn't kidding about the little games store hidden down here as well, the guy is quite possibly one of the most knowledgeable guys i've ever met about all the potential different game variations and editions throughout the years.