Lambiek Comiclopedia
Since its opening in 1968, the Amsterdam comics store Lambiek has played an important role in giving comics public attention and appreciation, not just in the Netherlands, but on an international scale. Historically important as the oldest comics store in the Netherlands and in Europe, it also holds the world-wide record for being the oldest one still functioning as a commercial enterprise. But Lambiek has always been more than just a place to buy comic books. Within less than a decade after its foundation, it became a research center, a mini-museum and a meeting place for all things and people related to comics. Lambiek opened its doors for countless book signings, exhibitions, lectures, media stunts and parties. Some of the honored cartoonists were still unknown at the time while others already famous. Some were only legends in their own countries, but barely known in the Netherlands. Yet all were treated with the same respect, which enhanced their reputations.
Additionally, Kees Kousemaker and his entourage wrote various essays, articles and books about comics. Much of the Netherlands' comics history might otherwise have remained unexplored. But Kousemaker's ambitions went even further. In 1994, Lambiek became one of the first Dutch companies to start its own website. Five years later their online encyclopedia, the Comiclopedia (1999), was launched. It offers a biographical overview of everyone who ever drew and published a comic, regardless of country or time period. As of 2018, the Comiclopedia counts more than 13,700 names, making it the biggest database of cartoonists in the world. Over the course of five decades, Lambiek has received various tributes, awards and other honors. Today, it's not only an institution in the Netherlands, but also in the international comics world.
This is the thrilling story of an ever-evolving store which managed to become, in it's own way, a phenomenon. A tale of famous visitors, law-breaking wooden dolls, people with the initials K.K., a salesman who can't recognize celebrities and the everlasting quest of presenting comics as a serious art form... but most of all, a tribute to all the wonderful people who have helped Lambiek in making 50 years of comics history!
See also
Contact info
- Comics shop Lambiek
- Koningsstraat 27
- 1011 ET Amsterdam
- The Netherlands
- telephone: +31 20 626 7543
- lambiek@lambiek.net (shop)
- studio@lambiek.net (Comiclopedia)
- Twitter: @LambiekComics & @Comiclopedia
- Facebook: Lambiek (facebook.com/lambiekamsterdam)
- Store hours
- Mon to Fri: 11:00am to 6:00pm
- Saturday: 11:00am to 5:00pm
- Sunday: closed until further notice
External links
www.lambiek.net
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