About

At 7PM on May 23rd Jane Cholmeley joins us in the bookstore to discuss her book 'A Bookshop of One's Own' which chronicles the opening and management of one of London's most legendary feminist bookshops.

Description: The captivating true story of an underdog business – a feminist bookshop founded in Thatcher's Britain – from a woman at the heart of the women's liberation movement.

What was it like to start a feminist bookshop, in an industry dominated by men? How could a lesbian bookshop thrive in Thatcher's time, with the government 's Clause 28? How do you run a business when your real aim is to change the world?

Silver Moon was the dream of three women (Jane Cholmeley, Sue Butterworth and Jane Anger) – a bookshop with the mission to promote the work of female writers and create a much-needed safe space for any woman. Founded in 1980s London against a backdrop of homophobia and misogyny, it was a testament to the power of community, growing into Europe's biggest women's bookshop and hosting a constellation of literary stars from Margaret Atwood and Maya Angelou to Angela Carter. While contending with day-to-day struggles common to other booksellers, plus the additional burdens of misogyny and the occasional hate crime, Jane Cholmeley and her booksellers created a thriving business. But they also played a crucial and relatively unsung part in one the biggest social movements of our time.

A Bookshop of One's Own is a fascinating slice of social history from the heart of the women's liberation movement, from a true feminist and lesbian icon. Written with heart and humour, it reveals the struggle and joy that comes with starting an underdog business, while being a celebration of the power women have to change the narrative when they are the ones holding the pen.

Entry is £5 for general admission or £15 with an included copy of 'A Bookshop of One's Own'

This event is proud to be a part of Feminist Book Fortnight 2024