Events 2024
Events at Chelsea
Join us at Chelsea Rare Book Fair for a series of free tours for collectors and bibliophiles of all stripes. Learn about the history of the book, the fundamentals of book collecting, bindings, and first editions from experienced book dealers.
If you would like to join one of these tours, please register using the links below.
A History of Book Collecting
Learn about the fundamentals of rare books with expert Andrea Mazzocchi from long-established dealer Bernard Quaritch. This tour will cover print history from medieval manuscripts to modern first editions, and look at trends and fashions in book collecting throughout the ages.
Book NowBook Collecting: Where to begin
As a newer member of the trade, Rebekah Cron of Fold the Corner Books is well-placed to guide first-time and younger collectors. This tour will introduce the basics of collecting rare books and building collections. It will visit several exhibitors at Chelsea to chat about how to spot first editions, the thrill of the hunt, and the benefits of fostering relationships with ABA and PBFA dealers. It will also touch on how to take care of books post-purchase.
Book NowModern First Editions: Highlights of Chelsea Book Fair
Les Ashton of Ashton Rare Books focuses on a selection of books at Chelsea Rare Book Fair to explain what really makes a book a ‘highlight’. The tour will be emphasising the importance of dust jackets, signatures, associations, fashion, and scarcity in making a title and a particular copy special.
A
great chance to learn more about twentieth century first editions from
an expert, this tour is not to be missed by collectors and enthusiasts.
Books and Their Bindings: From the mundane to the beautiful
Tom Lintern-Mole of Antiquates Ltd. will take you around the fair, judging (and explaining!) books entirely by their covers. In so doing, he will explain something of the progression of binding types and styles around Europe and through the centuries.
Book Now