Book Fairs

Fairs have become a main source of business for many booksellers. These range from high-end fairs such as Firsts London where the rarest books are typically offered, to more relaxed events such as the long list of those organised by the Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association.

Fairs that focus on specific sectors of the books and works on paper market like maps, ephemera and photographs are also held throughout the year.

It moss be love: naturalist’s album bought by museum

19 October 2020

At a recent PBFA fair, dealer John Underwood sold a collection of albums of mosses compiled by the naturalist Frederick DuCane Godman (1834-1919) to Horsham Museum & Art Gallery.

Early English sea atlas among real sales at ‘virtual’ book fair

21 September 2020

An English translation of a Dutch 16th century sea atlas was among the standout sales at the recent online edition of Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair.

Firsts book fair forms second digital staging as Boston event offers online showcase

31 August 2020

'Firsts, London’s Rare Book Fair' has announced a second digital staging to take place this month.

ABA Firsts fair gets new autumn staging online

26 August 2020

Firsts, London’s Rare Book Fair has announced a second staging for this year to take place next month.

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Firsts book fair moves to London's Saatchi Gallery

03 August 2020

The Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association (ABA) is moving its annual flagship event Firsts – London’s Rare Book Fair from Battersea to Chelsea.

PBFA online fair to go monthly

25 May 2020

The Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association (PBFA) is planning an unlimited succession of virtual fairs starting on the 29th of each month as it adapts to a world without traditional fairs.

London rare book fair 'Firsts' cancelled and digital event to be launched

05 May 2020

'Firsts, London’s Rare Book Fair 2020', has been cancelled for the summer and will instead be replaced with a digital version.

Coronavirus: PBFA launches inaugural virtual book fair

23 April 2020

Browsing at a fair can mean the serendipitous discovery of a treasure for the collection. To help recapture a bit of this magic online, The Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association (PFBA) launches its first virtual book fair next week.

Coronavirus: ABA and PBFA call off Edinburgh antiquarian book fair

14 March 2020

Managers of the Edinburgh Premier Fair, run by the Antiquarian Booksellers Association (ABA) & Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association (PBFA), have called off the next staging.

Prints ‘fair’ within Firsts London in 2020

02 December 2019

A print fair is being launched within next year’s Firsts London rare book fair.

PBFA fair in Earls Court promises a Lively time

03 June 2019

At the PBFA London Antiquarian Book Fair, from June 6-7 at Ibis London in Earls Court, Rainford & Parris brings a collection of seven children’s books by Penelope Lively.

A First Folio at Firsts as book fairs pack early June

13 May 2019

Running from June 7-9 at Battersea Evolution, the upcoming ' 'Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair' will feature 150-exhibitors.

Chiswick Auctions: Silver & Objects of Vertu; 30 Oct 2020 - 11:00 AM
Ewbank's: Vintage Posters; 30 Oct 2020 - 12:00 PM
Rob Michiels: Asian & European Art; 31 Oct 2020
Aspire Auctions: Jewellery & Firearms; 31 Oct 2020
Lockdales: Books, Ephemera, Stamps, Sporting, Postcards & Cigarette-Cards; 31 Oct 2020 - 09:30 AM
Arthur Johnson & Sons: Antiques & Furniture; 31 Oct 2020 - 10:00 AM