Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair

AbeBooks is proud to support Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair - one of the most popular and prestigious rare book fairs in the world. Whether you're a collector looking for the next masterpiece to add to your library, or a bibliophile who loves browsing secondhand classics, Firsts London is the book fair for you.

Discover titles by distinguished authors, ephemera from celebrity readers and manuscripts from history's great moments, all in the heart of Chelsea, London.

  • May 14 to May 17, 2026
  • 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.

Revolution

For the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, 100+ international booksellers explore revolutions—political, cultural, scientific, including printing itself.

Pictures from previous fairs


Visitors queuing in front of Saatchi Gallery in London.
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Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
Doors will open in May
Photo: © Jon Baker
A collector opens a copy of an beautifully decorated edition of Venus and Adonis
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Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
Discover beautiful books
Photo: © Jon Baker
A visitor inspects the details of a specific book
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Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
Inspect details
Photo: © Jon Baker
An exhibitor is displaying an ancient fan in front of a huge map
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Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
Explore maps, prints, and other paper ephemera
Photo: © Jon Baker
Someone holding a copy of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice in both hands
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Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
Find some classics
Photo: © Jon Baker
A room filled with visitors to the fair, talking to each other or having a rest
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Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
Meet other booklovers
Photo: © Jon Baker
A smiling exhibitor at the fair is holding a print showing two naval vessels
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Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
Talk to friendly experts
Photo: © Jon Baker
A customer is holding a book with a precious, richly decorated binding featuring a bird in the center.
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Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
Handle precious bindings
Photo: © Jon Baker
A photo of Stephen Fry visiting the stand of rare book expert James Hallgate of Lucius Books
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Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
The rare book world attracts distinguished collectors and enthusiasts alike—including the occasional celebrity bibliophile.
Photo: © Jon Baker
A book showing the colorful illustration of a peacock
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Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
A stunning example of early modern book illustration: the peacock in all its glory
Photo: © Jon Baker
A seller unrolls an ancient scroll to show customers what kind of illustrations are inside
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Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
Carefully unfurling an ancient scroll to reveal its contents
Photo: © Jon Baker
A visistor opens a book and points at a marginal note
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Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
Marvel at the exquisite quality of old printing techniques
Photo: © Jon Baker
Two visitors of the fair are smiling in front of the camera. One of them holds a glass with a drink in his hands.
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Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
Have a good time
Photo: © Jon Baker
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Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair
Doors will open in May
Photo: © Jon Baker
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