Where: Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL
£: 2
What was it?
The alternative press fair was part of the International Alternative Press Festival currently happening in London. They couldn’t have crammed more tables housing enthusiastic self-publishers from various countries including Finland and Turkey, in the smallish room at Conway Hall.
As I edged my way around the tables full of pretty, unusual and odd ‘zines and comics I felt almost like I’d entered another world. A world of hippies, cool-nerds and artistic types that all seemed very intense and really into their creations. To be honest, I felt a little out of my comfort zone. I thought I was geeky but this was on another level. That said it was intriguing to browse through the wildly varied pamphlets, t-shirts, badges and posters that had been lovingly handmade. Prices ranged from 50p for unique looking badges, £1 – £10 for comics and ‘zines to more for whole books.
It was interesting delving into the world of the alternative press, if a little unnerving and although I didn’t buy anything it was certainly worth a peek. It’s quite heartening in the age of blogs, Twitter and Facebook that there is still a place for paper.
More info: The fair was part of the International Alternative Press Festival which runs until 13th June 2011 at various venues around London. See Alternative Press Festival for more information.