Owned by Nick Mennell, rare and archival bookstore Record 28 is a gold mine of ephemera and cult classics. Since 2018, the store has been sourcing rare and out-of-print books across arts and counter-culture, with transient pop-up shops around the UK and a website jam-packed with treasure. With stock spanning rare Sonic Youth VHS’, Pierre Et Gilles postcards and their very own Record 28 fan scarves, it’s a one-stop-shop of pop culture artefacts.

Just in time for the last-minute Christmas shopping rush, we asked Nick to put together a Record 28 gift guide, featuring everything from Salvador Dalí to Joy Division, Jean Luc Godard to rubber bondage. 

An Ideal For Living: An History Of Joy Divison (1984)

“A perfect project from 1984. An Ideal For Living follows the rise of Joy Division. Formed after seeing Sex Pistols live, the Salford group would go on to revolutionise post-punk music in the UK and the story and the songs live on. Full of images, interviews and more, it’s an introspective and intimate account of one of the finest bands to have ever been.”

Cahiers du Cinéma Numéro Spécial Godard, 30 ans depuis (1990)

“We love this little find. It’s a Jean Luc Godard special from 1980 by the cult French cinema magazine, Cahiers du Cinema. Godard was considered to be the originator and godfather of New Wave cinema. If you’ve seen his films you’ll want this, if you haven’t then go watch one. Godard died earlier this year but his legacy and inspiration will live on in film forever.” 

Joseph Szabo – Almost Grown (1978)

“This is one of the best photo projects ever made, FACT. Joseph Szabo’s aptly named Almost Grown is a celebration of teenage experience: the years of restless desire and blossoming sexuality; the world of high school, parking lots, and street corners; and the unique settings of American culture. It is full of some of the most iconic imagery of 70s American high school adolescence you’ll ever see.”

Dali…Dali…Dali (1974)

“It’s our favourite of all Dali books, gold cover, amazing images on every page, and perfect 70s font and graphic design. It’s an explosion of eccentric perfection containing every image you would expect from a Dali opus, and many you wouldn’t. If there is any type in there it’s bonkers and beautiful. A must and perfect present.”

Dressing For Pleasure: The Best of AtomAge 1972-1980 (2010)

“AtomAge magazine was the underground bible of leather, rubber, and vinyl fetish wear throughout the 1970s. Presenting the most astonishing imagery from all thirty-two issues of this now rare and sought-after cult magazine, Dressing for Pleasure illustrates through their own photography and writing, the fantasies and desires of AtomAge followers. It’s a wonderful, rare, satisfying, warm, and even funny collection.”

Larry Clark – Kiss The Past Hello (2010)

“More Larry Cark dreams from the Record 28 archive. One of only 2000 Original complete limited edition artist boxset. Featuring two books and poster, and containing over 130 photographs made by Clark between 1962 – 2010, including his work in the legendary Tulsa series. It’s shocking, proactive, and incomparable – as you would expect from Clark’s work. For that person who has everything… they probably don’t have this.”

Shop Record 28 here.