Firsts London

Firsts London is one of the most popular and prestigious rare book fairs in the world. It is an event that showcases unique and unusual items from over 100 leading UK and international antiquarian booksellers. One of the reasons this book fair was created was to give dealers from all over the country a chance to impress the crowds in London, and the event attracts a large, wide and diverse audience of collectors, dealers, enthusiasts and the curious.

The passion behind Firsts is the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association. The fair began in the 1950s, and in addition to bringing remote dealers to the masses, another goal of the fair was to promote the idea of collecting and appreciating books. That goal still holds true today. The event also aims to show that it does not have to be an elitist hobby and that book collecting is possible on a modest budget. For many years there was a “Books under £5” stall at the fair, and every vendor was asked to contribute.

Firsts has had many incarnations over the years and has been set up in many places in London. It has now found its home in the heart of Chelsea, where booksellers of old and rare books, manuscripts, ephemera, maps and more take up three floors of the Saatchi Gallery. Exhibitors can expect to see old friends and meet other enthusiasts and collectors as they showcase their bound treasures to thousands of visitors over the four-day event. Visitors will be amazed by some of the rarest and most unique books on the market, as well as wonderful memorabilia and stunning works of art.

In addition to the fantastic antiquarian books on display at Firsts, a number of workshops are available during the fair. One such example is restorative bookbinding, a coveted skill in this field of collecting. As the only fair in London dedicated solely to books, any bibliophile would be mad not to attend.