Dealers

Former premises rescued as unholy messes are proving ideal for new use as atmospheric settings for antiques shops

The first ‘Thumb Bibles’, paraphrased or abridged versions of the good book, were published in the early 17th century – the London printer John Weever offering his 128- page An Agnus Dei, measuring just over 1in, in 1601.

Ladies and gentlemen of the Georgian period carried not only prayer books and bibles, but also books of poems and the annual miniature almanacs containing practical information on everything from the phases of the moon to the currency exchange rates of Europe.

Jewellery specialist Hancocks London is celebrating its move to a new, larger premises. Leaving Mayfair after 175 years, the dealer has opted for St James’ (as revealed in ATG No 2631).

Shapero Rare Books has given a vote of confidence to London’s West End by moving to even larger premises within Mayfair.

Dealer Sky Duthie brings an Arts & Crafts movement binding of The Ingoldsby Legends to this year’s PBFA London Summer Book Fair.

The biannual Potting Shed Brocantes in East Sussex returns this spring.

There is a new fine art event in town this month as dealers unveil The Little London Art Fair.

Lesley Ferguson of Lesley Ferguson Antiques is based at Lorfords.

A collection of 23 vintage photographs is showcased in Robert Young Antiques’ exhibition Ironmongers.

When Matthew Adams started out as a dealer in the early 1980s, the constant cry from fellow dealers was “there are too many fairs”, he says.

Theme of Firsts fair centres on works not being seen just as reading material but things of beauty

In a joint portrait miniature exhibition by Emma Rutherford of The Limner Company and Nick Cox of Period Portraits a depiction of Jane Seymour by Wenceslas Hollar (1607-77) is among the highlights.

As well as his usual commercial stand at Photo London this year, Robert Hershkowitz stages a special exhibition on French calotype.

An owner of reclamation centre has set up shop at the invitation of a renowned Norwich retailer.

A vesta case decorated with a campaigning Suffragette is among the highlights at the Buxton Decorative, Antiques & Art Fair.

Practical campaign furniture is one of the stars as West Sussex event reaches its 10th anniversary