Leadenhall Wunderkammer in London, England
Translated from German, Wunderkammer means “room of wonder”, and the tiny shops tucked inside No. 27¼ at Leadenhall Market certainly live up to the name. Hidden among the grand Victorian architecture and bustling passages of the market, this whimsical installation is a miniature world of its own. Inspired by the cabinets of curiosities that once brought together strange, beautiful, and intriguing…
A tiny, whimsical installation called the Leadenhall Wunderkammer has opened its doors in London's Leadenhall Market, tucked away inside No. 27¼. Drawing inspiration from the cabinets of curiosities, the Wunderkammer is a miniature world of its own, inviting visitors to explore and discover the hidden stories of the market's past. Inside, three miniature storefronts each have their own connection to London and the market.
Lilliput Cards, named after the tiny people in Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels, sells Lilliputian-sized postcards featuring famous London landmarks. Next door is Tronage Yarns, a tiny wool shop that pays homage to the 15th-century wool trade when merchants paid a tax known as the wool tronage. Finally, the Leadenhall Film Library adds a modern touch by showcasing references to films and television productions shot in and around Leadenhall, such as Slow Horses and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
Above the tiny storefronts, visitors can find a serving hatch inspired by Florence's wine windows, which serves exclusive sweets, coffee, wine, and other products. The Wunderkammer, with its non-Lilliputian size, encourages visitors to take a closer look at the grand Victorian architecture and hidden details of Leadenhall Market.
By reminding visitors to notice the smaller details, the Wunderkammer celebrates the idea that wonderful things can be found in the smallest of places. Once visitors have explored the miniature world, they may find themselves viewing the grand arches, painted details, shopfronts, and hidden corners of Leadenhall Market in a new light.
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