A magic wand maker has defended his decision not to sell them as toys to Harry Potter fans.
Richard Carter, who makes spiritual wooden wands for the Mystical Moments store on Britannia Road in Slaithwaite, made headlines in national newspapers across the world after being accused of banning Potter fans from his shop and refusing to sell them his handiwork.
Mr Carter, who says spirits guide him in using a lathe to create his special wands, would only sell people one if they had a “genuine interest” in spirituality.
But he said that fans of the series were welcome in the shop, owned by his partner Jackie Restall, and that his remarks had been taken out of context.
The bizarre stories emerged after the Examiner published an article about his wand making.
“What’s happened is very strange,” said Richard. “A freelance journalist rang me up to have a chat after the Examiner article and the conversation turned to Harry Potter. But he took some of what I said out of context.
“I said that if Harry Potter fans wanted a wand they should go on eBay because what they’re basically after is a toy. But I have not banned them from the shop.
“I have nothing against Harry Potter and actually liked the films. The wands I make though, whether you believe it or not, are real and spiritual.
“If a Harry Potter fan came to the shop, whether they would be able to buy a wand would depend on why they want one.
“If for a toy, then no, but if they had watched Harry Potter and been inspired to start their own spiritual journey, then yes.”
Mr Carter also responded to criticisms by Harry Potter fans printed in national newspapers, who accused him of being “snobby” for not wanting to cash in on the success of the Potter franchise.
“I was hoping that some Harry Potter fans would stage a demonstration outside. That would have been funny,” said Mr Carter.
“I don’t understand how I’m being snobby.
“I hardly make any money from the wands but making money is not the point.
“I just want to pass them onto someone with an interest in spirituality.
“We’ve had enquiries now from places as far away as the USA and Jamaica. That’s good, as long as they want one for the right reasons.”
