Things To Do

Books Sculpture By Diana Bell

27 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BS, GB

Rating: 4.6 ★ (230 ratings)

Details

A remarkable Books Sculpture by Diana Bell graces Blackwell's bookshop on Broad Street, a historic thoroughfare in the heart of Oxford. Bell, an award-winning landscape architect and artist, is known for her innovative, site-specific designs and sculptural conceptions that often explore the relationship between humans and their environment. While specific details of this particular "Books Sculpture" aren't readily available in the provided search snippets, her broader work often involves transforming materials and spaces to tell a new story, drawing inspiration from abstract art. Visitors to Blackwell's can anticipate a piece that thoughtfully engages with the world of literature and the unique ambiance of this venerable bookshop, which has been a literary hub since its founding in 1879.

Blackwell's itself, located at 27 Broad Street (the main shop is at 48-51 Broad Street), is an essential Oxford experience. This iconic institution is famed for its vast Norrington Room, a cavernous underground space that once held the world record for the largest single room selling books, boasting an incredible expanse of shelving. Beyond its sheer scale, Blackwell's has a rich history, having published J.R.R. Tolkien's early work and hosted countless famous authors. The shop is more than just a place to buy books; it's a piece of Oxford's literary and cultural heritage, nestled on a street that once echoed with horse-drawn carriages and now invites exploration of its many treasures, including specialist art and music shops also part of the Blackwell's family. A visit offers a chance to wander through literary history and perhaps discover a new favourite author amidst its well-stocked shelves.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Contact

+44 1865 333641

Comments

Angela Duminy
20 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
This is a family favourite and we frequent it often!
My son has learnt so much about manga speaking to the very helpful and friendly team, they have the best array of Manga books in Oxford and also sell box sets and loads of other merch.
Highly recommend a visit!
Madeleine Eve Jayne
1 Mar 2026
3.0 ★
The shop was clean and modern. A large array of books. A great manga section and a board game section. Really nice print designs too. Unfortunately I didn’t buy anything because it was so expensive, much more than I thought it would be and I don’t think it’s worth it. The prints are of artwork you can find easily online. It was also extremely busy so I could hardly look at anything or squeeze past people.
Cynnan Jones
27 Feb 2026
2.0 ★
A warm comfy environment and a range of selection for all fans to enjoy. Unfortunately though a problem occured to me and I don't know if it was accidental or if there was malicious intent. Me and my friend were in Oxford for one day on a school trip and we went into this shop. I got four mangs and one book and it all totalled to £30 which are very good prices. But when I came home I found out that my book was replaced by a cheaper (price wise) manga? Has anybody else experienced this?
Chelsea-Rose James
25 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
The staff in this shop are truly wonderful people! I didn’t catch any names but thank you for making our experience so fun - such a tidy and well kept shop with friendly faces! Thank you for making me and my partner smile
Charlie Hobbs
2 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
A well stocked with plenty of variety, Blackwell’s covers all of geekdom so whatever your flavour it’s worth checking it out. As with all bookstores they may or may not have what you’re looking for but it’s always a pleasure to browse and the temptation to splurge the cash is high. I just came away with a couple of Judge Dredd books missing from my collection. Happy days. Well worth your time.

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