A pre-Christmas break a few years ago. We were in Hay-on-Wye, the quaint Welsh border town on the banks of the mighty River Wye. Its primary claim to fame is that it’s full of second-hand book stores, including the world’s largest started in 1961 by Richard Booth, he who later declared himself King of Hay and was all-round responsible for putting the town on the booklovers’ map.
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But even bibliophiles need a break from browsing the stacks, so there are also cosy cafes, quirky antiques shops and artisan crafts emporia to wander round. There’s even a castle, bought by Richard Booth in 1970 and recently restored to provide all manner of cultural events and exhibitions.
And talking of booklovers’ maps, here are some actual maps.
On the street below the castle we found a shop selling antiquarian ephemera, including prints and old Ordnance Survey maps. My eye was instantly caught by this well kitted-out young woman. She won’t get lost, I thought; a new-old take on tracking devices – rambling jacket made of maps. (You can just see the outline of the pre-restored castle in the reflection behind her.)
Here’s the full shop frontage.
That gaze says determination, doesn’t it. Madam definitely knows where she’s going.
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But back to the mysterious header photo;
It was a strange experience to find myself regarded through a slit in an otherwise blanked-out shop window. It makes me wonder, which of us is doing the window shopping? There she was – watchful, wistful, captive or femme fatale? – looking out from what proved to be a vintage costume store. She lured us in of course.
And finally, Hay at twilight:
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Lens-Artists: window shopping This week Ritva sets the challenge. Please see her post for creative tips on how to approach it.
Tish Farrell 
They don’t get much more creative than this one! Tish, I want that jacket! How did you know? Sadly I’ve never been to either Hay or Ross-on-Wye, but I’d like to.
It it’s such a groovy jacket, isn’t it? Never get flumoxed on a walk again 🙂
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Great post Tish. Love the jacket, though it probably wouldn’t last long in the Welsh climate, and the eyes through the slit is brilliant. Well spotted!
You’re right about the rain effect. Jude. Soggy map jacket would not be quite so good 🙂
This was delightful!
Thank you, Jennie.
You’re welcome, Tish.
This was a fun post. Enough to make me want to go explore Hay-on-Wye. I do love vintage.
Alison
Fab post! Full of quirky things. Years since I very briefly visited ‘Way on High’, and I recall it was rubbish weather, so didn’t linger
Bookstores like that….
I’d spend most of my money on those books, then I’d just waste the rest!
Tish, the clothes made out of maps was very intriguing. These are great photos. I liked the mysterious image you shared, too. Quite interesting!
Amazing response. Dramatic and fun!
What an interesting little town that takes pride in its uniqueness. The mapped our mannequin is a work of art and a great add to this weeks challenge. It is hard enough to make clothing with fabric, forget about maps. Amazing. and a little creepy to be “watched”. Fantastic interpretation, Tish!
Book store browsing is a favourite pastime so I think I could spend days in this quaint little town
Wonderfully quirky post, Tish. The used bookstores alone win me over but everything else sounds perfect as well. If I weren’t going to California nest week…
Hey-ho! California it is then, Janet. Happy travels.
Thanks, Tish. We’re looking forward to it.
Ha! Love the eye, in Hay-on-Wye? Excellent.
Cheers, John.
What a wonderfully original take on the challenge, and great shots.
A lucky find of shots in my photo archive 🙂
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You found a great and unique windows for this challenge, I am impressed. I love bookstores and the map shop with that very creative window display. Truly enjoyed this post.
Many thanks, Ritva.
Yes, stunning Welsh map models indeed! Well-made mannequins for sure. Thanks for sharing Tish! Glad to see you settling into your new place and perhaps some slightly new traditions for your Christmastime journeys.
Cheers. Bill. Not quite settled. The roof’s coming off next month! And then there’s the conservatory demoliltion. And then a new kitchen extension…more than slightly off-balance 🙂
These are great – a mannequin dressed in maps and another mysteriously almost hidden from sight!
You never quite know what you’ll find in Hay-on-Wye 🙂
Wonderful! I WANT…
I think we have a new trend here: map jackets. A waterproof version would be very handy 🙂
Indeed! Big business!
Very clever Tish! Loved the creepy map model – an excellent idea for a halloween costume! Fun post.
Many thanks, Tina.
unique window shopping!
Love it.
Many thanks 🙂
You are welcome, my friend.
My type of windows and shops, Tish! But I don’t think I ever needed a rest from browsing books 😀 Your quirky discoveries made my day.
So happy to make your day, Sofia 🙂 🙂