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By TOM FOOT
 

Brian Schwartz, left and street cleaner Alfred Raymond
Bookshop takes its final bow

A BOOKSELLER who has served famous actors at his theatrical book shop for nearly 25 years is closing the doors to his Chalk Farm business for the last time this weekend.
Brian Schwartz, an American who came to London in 1972, is busy selling off his vast collection of theatre and film books in preparation for his farewell party on Friday at the Chalk Farm Road store.
He blames rising rents and a fall in sales for his decision. He plans to re-open the store in Covent Garden.
He said: “I’m looking forward to trading in the area that is the home to London theatre. I can no longer afford the rent and Camden is not a book place anymore. Camden no longer attracts the people who want to buy the sorts of books I sell.”
Mr Schwartz has an enviable list of patrons: he once served Sharon Stone – “she came in looking for a fashion book, she didn’t want to engage” – actor Simon Callow, and Star Wars actor Ewan McGregor, who used to rehearse with his uncle Denis Lawson in the theatre below the shop before he was famous.
Although looking forward to working in Tavistock Street, Mr Schwartz said he will miss his customers – especially street cleaner Alfred Raymond, who has been popping into the shop while on his round for years.
Mr Schwartz said: “He’ll always give me a challenging request for a book – he’ll only remember it’s red, and that he saw it at a friend’s flat once.”
Mr Raymond added: “I’ll miss Brian. He’s a very polite man who always says good morning.”
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