The House of Minalima

Get in touch with your magical side

There are two Harry’s that dominate over London, everyone’s favourite prince and everyone’s favourite wizard. There’s plenty of places within the capital that are a must see for any keen Potter fan, with places like King’s Cross being a real focal point. But hidden amongst the back streets of Soho is one of the most unique and interesting Harry Potter locations you are going to see, the House of Minalima.

Sadly, despite the name, this isn’t a house at Hogwarts. It’s actually a four story shop come showroom in Soho which is home to the work of graphic design duo Eduardo Lima and Miraphora Mina – hence the name. Between the two of them, they were responsible for all of the graphic design for all eight Harry Potter films and as you can imagine, that is a lot of art.

The magical feels within the shop begin as you ascend the staircase littered with Hogwards acceptance letters addressed to Mr Harry Potter and walk past a large faux stained glass Hogwarts window. The first Potter floor has a cabinet full of original props from the film and many books from the Hogwarts Library including the cover of Gilderoy Lockhart’s book ‘Magical Me’ and the designs for many of Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes sweets.

However, the standout piece for any true potter fan is the Sirius Black family tree which is featured in the films on a tapestry in the house at 12 Grimmauld Place and is so incredibly intricate up close. The nature of the artwork and the detail that has gone into it is enough to stir up the emotions of any Potter fan and is a stark reminder of the brilliance of Rowling’s imagination when writing the book.

So, if you’re a muggle looking to get in touch with your magical side once more, head on down to The House of Minalima and enter a world full of witchcraft and wizardry!

Jake Taylor

TripTide User