Shopping Emporiums of West Africa: The Kingsway Stores

This exhibition catalogue accompanies the 2024 showcase titled Shopping Emporiums of West Africa: The Kingsway Stores, curated by Iain Jackson and Claire Tunstall. The exhibition delves into the architectural and cultural significance of the Kingsway Stores, a chain of retail establishments that operated across West Africa during the mid-20th century. Through previously unseen archival materials, photographs, maps, and specially commissioned architectural models, the catalogue explores how these stores influenced urban development, consumer culture, and societal transformations in cities such as Accra, Lagos, Freetown, and Banjul. The publication offers insights into the interplay between colonial commerce and local communities, highlighting the lasting impact of the Kingsway Stores on West African urban landscapes. citeturn0search1