Palin and Dormer back indie bookshop campaign

Michael Palin and Natalie Dormer are among a host of stars supporting the grassroots campaign Just A Card to support independent bookshops through the ‘Just A Book’ initiative. 

Just A Card has partnered with small business loan platform Funding Circle to launch its latest initiative, ‘Just A Book’, celebrating books and local bookshops. 

Palin said: "I support independent bookshops in the same way that I support independent thinking of any kind. I rejoice in what makes bookshops different. I like the quirkiness and personal touch you find in independent shops. They touch local history and local interests, and the best of them reflect the energy and enthusiasm of book-loving owners. Long may they last and long may they thrive."

Richard E Grant, Felicity Jones and Hanif Kureishi are also backing the campaign alongside Dominic Cooper, Nathalie Emmanuel, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Hayley Mills, James Norton, David Oakes, Bruce Robinson, Greta Scacchi and Twiggy. 

Celebrity supports Richard E Grant, Felicity Jones and Dominic Cooper

To strengthen this message and show their support, the group, have each been photographed reading their favourite book. The series of photographs, shot by portrait photographer Charlie Gray, invites the onlooker to consider ‘what’s your just a book?’

Established by artist Sarah Hamilton and run by a group of artists, makers and small business owners, Just A Card has worked to encourage people to buy from artists, designers, independent shops and businesses since 2015. Just A Card’s belief is that all sales however small – just a card, just a book, just a gift – are the difference between vibrant high streets or boarded up shops. More than 10,000 small businesses display the distinctive Just A Card window sticker. 

Hamilton said: "Everyone loves independents and wants to support them, but often we don’t appreciate how vital each and every purchase is. Just a card, just a book, just a gift... they all add up and are critical to small business success. We’re challenging shoppers to think about where they spend their money, and show how much they value the independent shops that make our High Streets so special."

James Meekings, Funding Circle co-founder and UK m.d., added: "Our philosophy is that when small businesses thrive, everyone benefits. Independent bookshops and retailers are important to the economy, and our local communities. We want everyone in the UK to get behind this campaign."