John: Bamalama posters has now been a
retail business with a gallery in central London for
nearly 7 years. The business started from my own interest
in music and movie poster art and memorabilia and
collecting myself for over 20 years. I have personally
been involved in retail for 31 years including shops and
market areas and decided to open my own gallery with
mainly some of my own collection.
Digger: You offer a large selection of retro and iconic
movie and music posters. What are the most popular
subjects and genres?
John: The most popular periods in the gallery are the
1960`s and 70`s with the Psychedelic period of the 60`s
and Punk from the 70`s. And with the movie side again the
classics also dating back to the 40`s and 50`s as well
including British/USA cinema and European films.
Digger: Why is retro and nostalgia so popular in so many
people's lives?
John: I think people can relate to retro and nostalgia
as part of their youth and growing up with the memories
and also the fact that people maybe lost their artefacts
from days gone by and now look to replace those lost
treasures.
Digger: And why are posters so evocative of decades
past?
John: Posters can represent particular periods in time
that cannot be replaced but the images still remain
timeless and bring back so many memories for people.
Digger: What advice would you give to somebody looking
to start a collection?
John: I think collecting can be a very healthy interest
and hobby and Ii think starting with something you are
genuinely interested in, and not as investment as I get
asked all the time what will appreciate in value. You may
have to do an awful lot of research, so maybe find out
some information on your subject first.
Digger: Is it getting more difficult to source these
posters?
John: It is getting harder to source these posters
especially old concert posters and old British posters
from the past.
Digger: What customer feedback and comments do you get
about your posters and your service?
John: We are very lucky that we have had a lot of very
positive feedback and everyone loves the gallery and the
fact that we are doing something different. And as we are
a small independent business we do try to give a more
personal service and people really appreciate that. I do think we have gained a good reputation.
Digger: What impact has The Internet on your business?
John: I think the internet has definitely affected high
st. retail shop sales in general but also it has opened
up a new avenue for business and a worldwide customer
base that didn't exist before. So it has affected my
sales but equally also sell via The Internet. But yes,
the main problem for me is that people buy more online
and do not visit the gallery in person.
Digger: What are the best aspects of running Bamalama
Posters and what are your personal retro passions?
John: For me personally I really enjoy the retail
business and meeting people in the shop and the fact
that I get to do something I love. Running my own
business with a product that I'm very passionate about
and that I can relate to as well.
Digger: What are your plans for Bamalama Posters
in the future?
John: Well hopefully I will keep the gallery open for as
long as possible. I have my new website which I hope will
attract more people and I hope to put on more shows and
exhibitions in the future. As long as the public support
small local business, this is the important thing.
Bamalama
Posters
Welcome to the Bamalama
movie & music online store. We have been
established online for over 6 years with a gallery
that you can visit in central London Monday to
Friday with a much larger selection of music and
movie posters including a variety of framed items.
We have been trading in posters and memorabilia
for over 20 years and have supplied many bars and
restaurants in the local area and beyond, one of
the most recent being the Pheasantry Pizza Express
in the Kings rd which was originally home to many
artists and designers in the 1960's.
You can find us located us 55 Leather Lane Hatton
Garden London EC1N 7TJ.
You can telephone on 207 404 6512 and email
info@bamalamaposters.co.uk
