Thursday, October 18, 2012

Chelsea Book Fair



The Antiquarian Booksellers Association (ABA), the organisers of the 22nd Chelsea Antiquarian Book Fair, are delighted to announce that they have more exhibitors than ever before taking part in the fair which will take place over two days on Friday, November 2 and Saturday, November 3, 2012 in the stunning surroundings of The Chelsea Old Town Hall, King's Road (opposite Sydney Street), London SW3 5EE.

This year's fair, which will consist of all types of books, manuscripts and ephemera, will include 81 exhibitors. The majority of dealers are local or from around England and Scotland, however 10% are international exhibitors who will be travelling from countries including Italy, Germany, France, USA and Canada. 18 of the exhibitors are new this year.

As Chair of the ABA Chelsea Committee, Leo Cadogan commented: "Chelsea is directed and managed by the Antiquarian Booksellers Association (ABA), the UK's oldest and grandest association of antiquarian booksellers and part of the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB). It attracts a wide range of enthusiastic buyers, old and young and is described by many of the participants as their favourite fair because of its "boutique" feel. We are delighted that more dealers than ever want to take part and we even have a waiting list!"

The fair will be open between 2pm to 7pm on the first day and from 11am to 5pm on the Saturday, therefore making it attractive to the private buyer who can visit after work or over the weekend.

Following the success of the Guided Tours at the London International Antiquarian Book Fair at Olympia this May, there will be a range of tours at Chelsea this year. The 30-minute tours are designed for small groups of visitors who wish to learn more about books on a particular subject. Topics covered include: Back to Childhood – a tour for young and old focusing on all time favourites as well as classic children's literature and illustrations and Literary London – on novels set in London as well as Vive la France! – a bilingual tour of French books and books on France to celebrate the French Toussaint bank holiday and Books, James Bond Books – offering the chance to meet the author of the newly launched Ian Fleming Bibliography and talk to him about your own collection of Bond books or how to get started. This coincides with all the Bond celebrations in November – the 50th Anniversary of the Dr. No movie and the release of new film Skyfall.

Places on these tours are Free although an entirely discretionary donation of £5 towards the ABA's Educational Trust would be most welcome. The ABA's Educational Trust was formed with the broad aim of advancing education of the public in the knowledge of the book and its role in our heritage. (Charity Commission Registered Number: 1078700).

The website is also a vital part of the Fair, allowing dealers to upload highlights in advance to whet the appetites of visitors. The newly-introduced 'About a Book' section of the website allows visitors to learn more about the exhibitors!

For more details on the Fair, please click here or follow on twitter @ChelseaBookFair

Tickets are complimentary if pre-booked in advance online, or £5 or £7 (per pair) if bought during the Fair.

From Ibookcollector
Ibookcollector © is published by Rivendale Press. 

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