Discover titles by distinguished authors, ephemera from celebrity readers and manuscripts from history's great moments, all in the heart of Chelsea, London.
- May 15 to May 18, 2025
- Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York's Square, King's Road, London SW3 4RY, UK
- Thursday (Invitation only); Friday 11am-8pm; Saturday 11am-6pm; Sunday 11am-5pm
Meet us in London
All exhibitors are foremost experts for antiquarian books, maps or prints. They are happy to help you if you have questions about specific objects - before, during, and after the Fair.
Dean Cooke specialises in interesting and unusual manuscripts and antiquarian books that record their histories as material forms, through the shaping of objects and the traces left on the surface, by the conscious and unconscious acts of their creators and users.
Founded in January 2023, Fold the Corner specialise in rare, beautiful, and eclectic books and manuscripts 'Old and New', with current specialisms including early printing, contemporary fine bindings, Philosophy, Literature, Surrealism and Modern First Editions.
We are a British couple based in France, but maintain a small stock and registered office in the UK. Our specialties: Travel & Exploration, Roman Catholic & Anti-Catholic Material, Illustrated, Items which pique our interest.
Sophia Rare Books specializes in science with an emphasis on mathematics and physics. The company was established by Christian Westergaard in June 2009. We deal in material from all periods, but as a particular characteristic we focus on important discoveries of recent times.
All exhibitors are members of ILAB and foremost experts for antiquarian books, maps and prints.
Picture This operated for many years in Hong Kong before relocating to the UK in late 2016. The gallery provides a unique mix of the contemporary and the old, and has been recommended as “a one-of-a-kind source” for buying artwork by Fodor’s Travel Guides.
Sophie Schneideman has been an international rare book and print dealer for over 30 years and dealing as Sophie Schneideman Rare Books since 2007, after serving a long apprenticeship at Maggs Bros, an eminent London book firm.
Our major specialities are in manuscripts (late medieval up to the present day) alongside printed books from the handpress period, annotated books, and association copies from all phases of our history.
Established in 1981, Keel Row Books is the North East’s leading specialist bookshop for rare, fine, collectable and first edition books. Anthony and Alice have owned Keel Row Books since 2006.
Books in Bloom
At Firsts London 2025, we join the celebration of all things horticultural that sweeps along the Kings Road ahead of the iconic Chelsea Flower Show, offering a new bookish angle on this floral festival.
Pictures from previous fairs
of
Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
Doors will open in May
Photo: © Jon Baker
of
Venus and Adonis
Discover beautiful books
Photo: © Jon Baker
of
Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
Inspect details
Photo: © Jon Baker
of
Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
Explore maps, prints, and other paper ephemera
Photo: © Jon Baker
of
Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
The theme of the 2025 fair is "Books in Bloom"
Photo: © Jon Baker
of
Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
Talk to friendly experts
Photo: © Jon Baker
of
Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
Handle precious bindings
Photo: © Jon Baker
of
Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
Carefully unfurling an ancient scroll to reveal its contents
Photo: © Jon Baker
of
Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
As you gently open the pages of rare books, let your fingers explore the substantial weight of the paper and marvel at the exquisite quality of old printing techniques. Each volume is a testament to the artistry and skill of bygone eras, inviting you to connect with history through touch and sight.
Photo: © Jon Baker
of
Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
Have a good time
Photo: © Jon Baker
of
Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
Doors will open in May
Photo: © Jon Baker
