Grimm & Co. – bringing some magic to Rotherham

Once in a while, I go out looking for photographic interest, and find something that gets me really excited and restores my faith in people.
Rotherham is undergoing something of a renaissance at the moment. It started with improvements to the Imperial Buildings a couple of years ago, and the introduction of a few artisan antique and craft stores, and had gradually progressed down the High Street. It has seen the renovation of many of the building facades, and given a much – needed face-lift to the centre of the town.
That said, I was not expecting the sudden reawakening of my senses upon walking through the door of Grimm & Co.

A few bizarre bylines of text and an array of glass bottles in the window drew me to have a closer look at the cryptically named “Apothecary to the Magical”. On entering, I was instantly aware of a cocktail of aromatic fragrances. However, there was to be no mistake: this was no Body Shop.

Notices in the window of 2 Doncaster Gate, Rotherham.

The various potions and lotions soon gave way to some other, more obscure items: crocks of gold; disenchanted wood, and even giants’ belly button cleaners.

In blue test tubes, Suspension of Disbelief. You could argue that this is a must when entering Grimm & Co.

If this works as beautifully as it smells, it's a bargain...

Knight peelers are also available.

At first glance, it seemed as though this was a quirky storefront built on the success of a certain successful franchise of books and movies, but they more I looked around, the more I got the sense of a far more ambitious design.

The entrance of the Apothecary. Also pictured are Volunteer Coordinator Siobhan and volunteer Cheryl, who despite being very busy, spared all the time they could to tell me about the work of the charity

The Library of Forgotten Books, where children can find someone else's old favourites and take them home for free

The real magic of Grimm and Co. won’t be found on any of their shelves. It’s found in the passion of its volunteers and upstairs in the hidden Imagination Gymnasium, where classes of children eagerly learn the craft of creative writing.
If you need an example of this, there is none better than the “Devious Dictionary” published by Grimm & Co. in conjunction with local schools, and given pride of place on a lecturn in the entrance. Have you returned to an unattended drink to find less than you left? If so, there’s a good chance you’ve just been bakowed.

Deborah Bullivant, Founding Director of Grimm & Co.

This undeniable catalyst for the love of literacy is the brainchild of Deborah Bullivant, founder of Grimm & Co, and lovingly brought to life by a cast of volunteers (significantly, Sheffield-based production company Side By Side, who apparently created the entire look of the venture for a handful of magic beans). The whole enterprise raises funds to enable free workshops which start with play, and end with each child going home with a book which they themselves have written and printed. It’s all an enchanting concept, which appears to have as many adult fans as children.
Any project which encourages reading and writing is one which should be fully embraced, and if you’re in the area, I’d strongly recommend a visit. It’s truly an immersive experience, and there is something new to be found on every visit.

All text written and images taken by David R. Pritchard, on Fuji X100T and X-E2 cameras.