Stepping Back in Time: A visit to L.Cornelissen & Son

-By Gretta Cole

Wedged unassumingly on Great Russell Street in London, L. Cornelissen & Son isn't just an art supply store – it's a portal to a bygone era. Though it claims this particular address only since 1988, the shop radiates the spirit of Dickens' novels, beckoning you into a quaint haven of tradition and wonder.

Stepping through the doorway is like stepping in from a cobbled street of yore. The darkness, pierced by shafts of light cascading through dusty panes, shelves bowing under the weight of artistic goodies – pigments in glass jars like rubies and sapphires, brushes in every shape and size, rolls of canvas waiting for unpainted dreams. My eyes accustomed to the sterile aisles of modern chain-stores, were like children’s eyes in a sweet shop.

Nostalgia threatened to engulf me, For a moment, I teetered on the edge of impulsive purchases, every brush and vial promising me a masterpiece. But with a deep breath and a glance at my, thankfully unscathed, credit card, I emerged with just four brushes that I could have bought online – but enough to capture this magical place, to carry its essence back home with me. I kept the paper bag for days as a momento.

L. Cornelissen & Son isn't just a shop; it's an experience. It's a reminder of the romance of art, the tangible magic of pigments and tools and most importantly seeing and touching products. It's a place where history hangs thick in the air. If you find yourself in London, do yourself a favour – lose yourself in the magic of L. Cornelissen & Son. Just be warned, your inner artist might emerge clutching more than just a couple of brushes.