The Urban Forager

Hoxton Mini Press is an independent publisher from East London, founded by Martin Usborne & Ann Waldvogel. Their goal is to bring art and photography to a wider audience, and to make books so beautiful you’ll collect them for your grandchildren.

The story behind the publisher is in the name—

Hoxton: an area in the London Borough of Hackney, England. Martin & Ann are inspired by their area in East London which is known to be bursting with diversity, creativity, struggles and solidarity. The first book they published was about an old man that was born in the area, had only left London once, and dreamed of being a ballet dancer. Following success with this book, a number of photo books showcasing Hoxton and surrounding were released, and thus Hoxton Mini Press was born.

”As we grow and as we do more books about subjects and stories beyond East London we are still informed by this area. We look for that ‘East London-ness’ around the world, where the grit and the glamour intertwine and where we can find the beauty in the fringe.”
— Martin & Ann, co-founders

Mini: refers to the founders’ desire to remain a small business, making small, collectible books, telling small, local, niche stories. The business is run from a small office by a small team. Additionally, Hoxton Mini Press make a small impact by offsetting book production by planting a tree for every order.

Press: Martin & Ann were inspired by the sentiment ‘print is dead’. In an age when everything is going virtual, books are more cherished than ever. Hoxton Mini Press want to make affordable but beautiful books that both the collector and the non-specialist can enjoy.