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Ampersand Vintage
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Bookstores, Art Galleries [Edit]
2916 NE Alberta StSte B
Portland, OR 97211
Neighborhoods: Northeast Portland, Concordia, Alberta Arts District
(503) 805-5458
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
12 reviews for Ampersand Vintage
Review Highlights
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"...you've got a love for photography, you should camp out at..." In 6 reviews -
"and is a must for designers and artists seeking inspiration." In 3 reviews -
"...hours looking through their boxes of old photographs and..." In 3 reviews
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12 reviews in English
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Review from Justin V.
4/21/2012
Like a lot of people, my girlfriend and I occasionally wax poetically about opening up our own bookstore, one that sold awesome coffee (her) and beer (me), one that had a bunch of seating and a great, tasteful collection, some funky combination of store and cafe.
Upon walking into this store, however, our dream might have changed a bit. As we walked out, she said to me, "I love that place. That's exactly the kind of store I'd love to have."
Instead of the homey vibe of most indie bookstores, this place sells books like fashion is sold in Manhattan. A limited collection where the salesman can tell you a great story about each work and there is something just about anyone smart or culturally literate would not only want, but would cherish.
We were with friends and they were in a crunch for time, so I only walked out with one item, a beautiful edition of Danzig Baldaev's Drawings from the Gulag. Before ringing me up, the salesman walked me over to another table where he had the second installment of the marvelous Russian Criminal Tattoo Encylcopedia and pointed out a few more things I might like, but only in a casual and pressure-free way.
This place is the shining star of Alberta, and is now and forever on my places I gotta hit when I'm in Portland list, along with Powells, Tender Loving Empire, Jackpot Records, and The Woodlands. -
Review from R W.
Portland, OR
1/24/2012
This is the best bookstore in Portland. This is the artisan truffle of bookstores compared to Powell's, which is a lovely box of chocolates.
The focus is on ephemera, graphic arts, and photography. But, there is a careful selection of contemporary literature here too. (How could I have gone so long in my life without reading Bolano?)
Cindy Sherman fan? Welcome home.
Also, nice back patio as of last fall. -
Review from Robert H.
12/14/2011
I am more impressed with Ampersand on every encounter. Like many Portland businesses, they serve the large interwebs world along with in person visitors like you and I in Portland. For photography books they are a must visit.
They have books, one of a kind vintage photos and drawings for your living space, original books they publish, and new artworks. All at very reasonable prices.
The staff digs what they are doing and are helpful and knowledgable. It's working, they recently expanded into the adjacent space. For Portland residents and art visitors, Ampersand is well worth a visit.Listed in: Tiny Bookstores in Portland
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Review from Michelle H.
Portland, OR
3/25/2010
This small shop tantalizes the visual senses and makes you covet all of the material being displayed. Ampersand is a photo shop and a bookstore, but it's more than that. It's like a museum of vintage shots and books of all things related to photography, art, and design. It spans the ages, taking things into a historical and/or worldly perspective. It's all organized and displayed in a way that makes you -want- to look through it all. It's not a chore. It's not boring and mundane. You never know what you're going to turn up next.
The owner takes pride in what's here, and leaves you to your own devices as you rifle through photo boxes and books of old Russian tattoos and Holga photos.
Even if you aren't a budding photographer, I dare you to go in here and not find something interesting. I'd believe it's impossible. -
Review from Andrew C.
Until I found Helser's, Alberta was always one of those streets I just heard about and never bothered with. The I discovered La Bonita & some serious Alberta love has been brewing. On a most recent trip back to the car from the taco shop, fate turned my head toward this curious little little store. I think I saw the word "Photo" printed somewhere, & that word is a magnet for my eyes.
My experience with 'vintage stores' is minimal, however I've always had friends who were deeply involved with whatever avenue of vintage they were most interested in (typically old cars and old tv's). I never found anything to lure me onto the wagon, until now.
Ampersand is tough to explain. It's some kind of gallery, bookshop & retail archive all in one, located on NE Alberta & 29th Street, & it's awesome. They "buy & sell vintage photography, paper ephemera, historic documents & collectable books" - they have a small selection of Holga & Lomography cameras as well. The books they sell are "primarily based on visual content, with particular emphasis on art, design & photography". To say there are some awesome books here is an understatement. There are some REALLY awesome books here. Where else can you digest a La Bonita burrito while thumbing through a book of crime scene photos taken from the late 1800's through early 1900's? Is there anything more interesting to look at than old black and white, sometimes washed out photos of people hanging, dismemberments, decapitations, or bloody naked people lying dead in bathtubs? I think not. That would be the perfect coffee table book, & I'm totally serious.
The store hosts a monthly gallery as well, more information about that can be found on the store's website http://www.ampersandvi... or their blog, located at http://www.ampersandvi...
What it comes down to, is that this store is awesome and I've never seen anything like it, anywhere. If you've got a love for photography, you should camp out at Ampersand Vintage & kill some time. It's a Powell's books for the visually inclined.
Be warned, after spending just ten minutes in the store you'll likely want to go shooting. That desire comes in a tidal wave, similar to when you were young & read "On The Road" by Jack Kerouac then had an overwhelming urge to just go drive around. Yep, same feeling.
Check it.Listed in: Alberta
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Review from amanda c.
Portland, OR
2/9/2009 ROTD 1/15/2010
if you are or were ever the type to riffle through big boxes of old-time-y b/w photographs and old postcards at thrift or antique stores, you will absolutely adore this shop. i know i do.
there's a lot of history in these types of photos, even when you have no idea who the subjects are. most of the photos in the boxes at ampersand are dated, which is so cool! it reminds me of a class project we did in english class way back when... our teacher brought in similarly old discarded snapshots and we had to chose one and write a short story about it. definitely one of the most fun projects i can remember from school!
it's a small space that seemingly just sprang up from nowhere (i have no recollection of what the space was before ampersand arrived) filled with books on awesomely random topics, always art/photography related. the owner (i think?) was there and he was really friendly and eager to share cool tidbits about the books, photos and everything else in store!
there will be monthly shows, which gives me reason to keep going back! right now, there are snapshots that they took from their boxes, enlarged in squares like pixels, each one separated by an inch or so. beautiful!
this gallery/store will definitely spark your creativity, be it in inspiring a collection of old photos to frame and decorate your house with or inspiration for your own photo shoot. you owe it to yourself and the world to be creative! go! -
Review from Beth N.
7/29/2010
this little space is something special. they sell old books and prints, along with new photography books, holgas, and art books. i could spend hours looking through their boxes of old photographs and books. they do a nice job of displaying everything and it makes it fun and easy to look through. the owners are super friendly also.
every month they have a different art show on display. sign up for their mailing list and they will tell you when each opening is. i appreciate that they do their events on a night other than last thursday so you can really enjoy the art. this place is a great place to find a unique gift for a friend or for yourself. and is a must for designers and artists seeking inspiration. -
Review from Taylor B.
Seattle, WA
1/27/2011
Anyone interested in photography, old and unusual books and artifacts, and/or fine design would be remiss in not visiting this one-of-a-kind shop on a regular basis. It is always first on my list when I visit Portland, and it should be high on your list no matter where you live. The proprietor has an amazing eye for the hidden beauty and merit which can sometimes be found in the most mundane places. One of Portland's hidden treasures.
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Review from k g.
Portland, OR
10/26/2010
Ampersand is unlike any other store I've ever been in. Though everything is for sale, the room feels more like a well-curated gallery than a retail shop. It's kind of an art-lover's wet dream. I will definitely be back to purchase material/inspiration for art making. Super nice guy running it too.
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Review from kimy a.
Portland, OR
12/5/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Something in everything here you gaze through or read is sure to be inspiring.
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Review from Jessica W.
Portland, OR
12/23/2009
I love this place. I'm only a layperson where photography is concerned but loved the selection of books here. The owner was extremely attentive, informed, and genuinely inspired to share his knowledge. Also great art pieces and stylish cameras. A true find!
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Review from Kamala K.
Portland, OR
10/6/2010
Ampersand is the shit.
