Catalog Manchester - Mobile Bookshop - Manchester, UK

When approached by Peter from Catalog to design a mobile bookshop I was excited to say the least. Books, bikes, and birch plywood! I've loved all things bicycle related since I can remember and previously worked as a bicycle mechanic for many years. Books are also a passion of mine and I think independent book sellers are one of the great joys for any city.

We had some tight parameters to meet, working within the foot print and weight limits of the Christiania cargo bike frame, and needing to transport as much stock as possible. We designed a foldable shelf to maximize display space and the doors act as a further place for magazines and books. A peg system was used to create flexibility within the design.

The box is built from premium grade birch plywood which is water resistant and made even more so by using an exterior grade finish (a natural plant-oil based one). The pegs are made from European oak that we treated with a solution of steel wool and vinegar. The solution reacts with the tannins in the oak turning it a rich black. All of the fasteners and hardware are stainless steel to withstand the Mancunian weather and keep both Peter and his bookshop on the road for years to come.