A Trip to Hamleys with Fuji Provia 100
There’s a certain element of theatre at Hamleys that you never got at somewhere like Toys R Us. How many other places have a giant Optimus Prime? 1/25s 35mm F1.4.
When I was a kid, I was a big fan of the Alex Rider series of books by Anthony Horowitz which have subsequently been adapted into a film in 2005 and a more recent Amazon Prime series that ended earlier this year. For those who are unfamiliar it’s essentially James Bond for kids, all about spies, supervillains and of course cool gadgets. In the original story the main character’s version of Q is based in the famous London toy shop Hamleys where he receives helpful items disguised as toys and accessories. Despite having liked the books I honestly can’t remember ever visiting Hamleys as a child, though looking back my family rarely went to London for days out despite living so close. Perhaps my parents having worked in the big smoke for many years were less then keen to go there on their days off.
That sign now reads 264 years and counting. 1/50s 35mm F1.4.
Greeted at the shop window by Gundam robots. What more could you want? 1/160s 35mm F1.4 with polariser.
Its main shop established on Regent Street in 1881 is world famous, but the business is much older than that, dating back to 1760 which makes it the oldest recognised toy shop in the world. Just imagine how much the very nature of toys has changed over that time. Its popularity exploded in the Victorian era and has remained high ever since with millions of people walking through its doors every year. It also helps that it has held royal warrants for most of the last century and is probably only without one currently due to the King not yet having the time to re-approve it following the death of the Queen.
I’m still trying to decide if the basement is an upgrade or a downgrade over the cupboard under the stairs for Harry. 1/25s 35mm F1.4.
The Niffler from the newer Wizarding World films is perhaps more at home underground. 1/25s 35mm F1.4.
So when one day I had a roll of Fuji Provia 100 to finish I decided to take that trip I never managed as a child, though sadly they appeared to be all out of stock of espionage devices disguised as Game Boys. Perhaps I can get one on back order? Rest assured though that over its five floors there is plenty to keep children entertained and parent’s wallets heavily drained. You name it and it’ll be here, whether that’s Lego, soft toys, video games or action figures. My favourite bit being the gaming section in the basement that included a line-up of arcade machines. It’s good to see they cater for the big kids too.
The ice cream and treats stand near the entrance is aptly named Hansel & Gretel. 1/60s 35mm F1.4.
Travel between the five floors is done by escalator in modern times. 1/50s 35mm F1.4.
What I really like about Hamleys is how it seamlessly blends the old with the new. It’s an old school British department store with all the classic toys you’d expect but naturally you see the likes of Harry Potter, Marvel and even anime related items on display. Kids can get excited for what’s on their screens right now and adults can get an exciting wave of nostalgia as they see the toys on the shelf that they themselves had when they were small. There’s also plenty of staff on hand, not just for help but also for entertainment that makes it more of an experience to visit rather than just walking into yet another shop. You certainly won’t get this feeling ordering online.
How about a giant Funko Pop of Rocket raccoon for the living room? 1/60s 35mm F1.4.
I think anyone who grew up in the 90s has dreamed of having their very own arcade machine at some point in their lives. 1/60s 35mm F1.4.
Fuji Provia 100 is obviously not a fast film but shooting with my 35mm F1.4G lens I had the combination of large light gathering and the ability to use relatively show shutter speeds at my disposal to compensate. With so many bright colours the results really pop on slide film, with its greater contrast and colour depth. The results from the basement are perhaps a little muddied but still hold up well. It’s just a pity that ISO 200 or ISO 400 slide films are no longer available as I would have liked to shoot inside with a little more depth of field. F1.4 is great in low light scenarios, but even with at 35mm the depth of field can be challenging, especially when getting up close to something. It’s also much easier for the camera to miss focus slightly which you can’t check on a film camera.
Elsa remains the Disney princess of choice so it wasn’t a surprise to see her here. 1/50s 35mm F1.4.
With that all being said, what are you waiting for? No matter what size kid you are, if you happen to be in London this summer then pop into Hamleys. Even if you don’t buy anything it’ll guarantee to put a smile on your face. Though commiserations if your child manages to convince you to come home with a life-sized version of Optimus Prime.
With the growing popularity of anime and manga there’s a new wave of toys on the shelves that I wouldn’t have seen if I had visited here as a kid. 1/60s 35mm F1.4.
If you enjoyed this blog then please consider leaving a tip below.
