Celebrating “The Magic of MinaLima” in London
On a very wet and windy Wednesday, November 2, graphic design duo MinaLima returned from their North American mini tour to the House of MinaLima in London to celebrate the release of their new book, The Magic of MinaLima: Celebrating the Graphic Design Studio Behind the Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts Films.
Approaching the House of MinaLima on Wardour Street, it was clear that the team was gearing up for the holidays already. The window was dressed to proudly display The Magic of MinaLima and pay tribute to the designs of the wizarding world with festive flare. With baubles, tinsel, fairy lights, and a giant book cover, the window display had it all.
Entering the house, I headed straight downstairs to the gallery space to take in Illustrated Classics, Wizarding World designs, and more Christmas decor. Snow White and Other Grimms’ Fairy Tales is the next issue in the design house’s Illustrated Classic series, so of course, a large copy of the cover was waiting to greet people as they descended the Daily Prophet-covered stairs.
But tonight was all about The Magic of MinaLima and celebrating the design duo’s two decades in the Wizarding World. The Magic of MinaLima explores 20 years of the graphic design house’s work, from Harry’s Hogwarts acceptance letter to the recent work of the Fantastic Beasts series. Alongside photos, images, and carefully told anecdotes, the book gives an insight into the design process through MinaLima’s signature interactive elements.
Many of the designs featured in the book are available to view at House of MinaLima. The walls of the gallery space showcase textbook covers, butterbeer labels, and crests. Of course, fan favorites like the Black family tapestry, wanted posters, and the Marauder’s Map take pride of place in both the gallery and the pages of The Magic of MinaLima.
But there are more than just designs in the book, and Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima were on hand to tell us more about some of the duo’s personal photographs that appear throughout its pages. In particular, they highlighted two childhood photos on the inside cover of the book of five-year-old year Mira and five-year-old Eduardo. While joking that they both are sporting similar haircuts, they highlighted that the photos show them both drawing, a passion that set them on the path to where they are today.
After chatting about their plans for the future, both near and far, such as the publication of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban next year and the possibility of a MinaLima original story, it was time to explore the design work and hidden gems upstairs in the shop.
In and among the items for sale, there are original sketches from Miraphora depicting magical creatures such as the Niffler and Bowtruckle. Dotted around the shop are photos that celebrate the magic of MinaLima and its 21-year history. These photos show all of their fond memories, including trips to Orlando, meeting fans, and attending conventions.
After seeking out the hidden treasures at House of MinaLima, including many owl figures scattered across the gallery and shop, the night drew to a close. I can’t wait to find the gems that they have hidden in the book.
The Magic of MinaLima is available to purchase now. Copies bought from the MinaLima website or at House of MinaLima cost £40 and include a bookplate signed by Eduardo and Miraphora.
