Southsea shop that sells the weird and wonderful calls for support

Head Case Curios, in Albert Road, Southsea is home to unusual and unique items – it sells everything from taxidermy to goggles, antiques to steampunk, pictures and mirrors, alternative gifts and all other types of collectables.

Everywhere you look, including the ceiling, there are wonderful pieces that spark curiosity, and knowledgeable owner, Tony Duke, said he is always happy to help.

The sign above the door depicts a skull smoking a cigar. But one thing many don’t realise, is the cigar bears the initials of Cyril Ernest Payne, Tony’s late father-in-law.

The family of Tony’s wife, Zoe, used to own a traditional newsagents and tobacconist in Eldon Street, known as Paynes, and now, some years later, Tony has introduced cigars to his stock, a quiet nod to the work of Cyril.

‘We stock cigars, matches and lighters, along with some items Cyril wouldn’t understand, but it’s clearly in our blood to run an independent, local business in Southsea,’ Tony said.

‘I’d like to think I am a modern take on a cigar shop.’

With the pandemic hitting small businesses hard, Tony likened his ongoing battles to those Cyril would have faced, working in the shop alongside his father on his return war.

He said: ‘I’m sure Cyril had it tougher than us, yet the business and others like his, adapted and struggled, but still continued trading.’

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Started in 2013 by Luke Etherington, Vile Eight offers specialist wood engraving, signwriting and eye-catching alternative artwork, as well as custom wooden ear stretching plugs, some of which can be

found in Head Case Curios.

Luke said: ‘Tony is a welcoming purveyor of curious items. He’s happy to work with artisans like myself, he’s fair to deal with and always has time to talk and make you feel like part of the Head Case family.’

Sea Dog Print Studio is another of Tony’s local suppliers, providing him with T-shirts proudly bearing the logo for Head Case Curios.

Established in 2017, Sea Dog Print Studio specialises in screen printing and embroidery, specifically onto clothing.

Tony said he is always happy to meet with potential suppliers for the shop and enjoys seeing the creations people put their time and effort into.

He said that using local creatives brings even more of a community feel to his already much-loved shop.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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