Allons-y to Wirksworth as Whovian Ian expands his universe!

FROM £500 AND A MARKET STALL, SHOP OWNER NOW MOVES INTO PERFECT TOWN

- By DAVID BROOME

THE owner of a comic shop who built his business from £500 and a market stall is celebrating moving into larger premises in a popular Derbyshire town.

Ian Jackson has lived an interesting life. From being an actor and then a pub landlord, he spent 10 years travelling before becoming an archaeologist.

However, 10 years ago he decided to pursue what he really loves: “Doctor Who and Batman”.

Ian, who lives in Matlock, set up a market stall in Chesterfield selling various collectables, before opening his first shop in Cromford.

He quit his part-time job to dedicate himself to the shop just before the Covid pandemic hit, but survived that and the ensuing cost of living crisis, and has now moved to a new, larger shop in Wirksworth, a town renowned for its quirky shops.

Sheffield-born Ian grew up in the Peak District, living in Matlock, Middleton-by-Wirksworth — and Rowsley, and says his shop’s new home suits it perfectly.

“I think the town suits what I do, and I hope I bring something different to the town,’ he said of Collectors Corner, on St Johns St in Wirksworth.

“I had my little shop in the village of Cromford for about six years, but about six weeks ago I moved up to Wirksworth.

“It's a really interesting and historic town, full of creative people and interesting shops.

“I’m hoping I'm a good addition to the town.

“My shop is actually in a Grade II listed building. I believe it dates from about 1710, and it was a butchers for many, many years.”