Black Pens and white dogs feature in Unity's fourth "edition"

It was all about signs and signing when Unity Books, Wellington, formally opened their much expanded bookshop in Willis Street on Wednesday night.

See photos of the event.

The black pens were out and the more than 150 guests at the event were invited by Tilly Lloyd to become instant graffiti artists, adding pictures and messages on the large bright white pillars which are a feature of the store.  This new work added to the names of contractors and staff who had already penned their names to the pillars.

And then the Mayor, Celia Wade-Brown announced to applause the news that the infamous Wellywood Sign was probably a goner as the airport had decided to set up a panel to reconsider their plans.

Authors, publishers, booksellers and readers took full advantage of the 30 per cent extra space and browsed the many hundreds of extra books on display (and bought many too).

It is the fourth edition of Unity Wellington and a special toast was made to Alan Preston the original owner. 

Tilly called the evening “luscious” and emphaised the great part that loyal customers and staff  had made in building the  culture of the  store ensuring that independent bookselling would continue.