53rd London International Antiquarian Book Fair at Olympia, June 3-5, 2010

London’s oldest collectors fair with a new website

At present the antiquarian book trade appears to be more resistant than many sectors to the economic downturn of recent times. An impressive 143 dealers have already signed up for the 53rd London International Antiquarian Book Fair at Olympia from 3-5 June 2010. The works on display at the fair cover a vast range of collectors’ interests, including fine books from the genesis of European printing: prints, fine bindings, illustrated books, manuscripts, maps, first editions and ephemera. Collectors will find the world’s leading antiquarian booksellers with their unparalleled choice of stock.

What unites the dealers is quality and rarity

Everything shown at the Olympia fair derives from vetted dealers that are only allowed to exhibit at the fair if they are a member of their national trade association. “As dealers, we are only invited to become a member of these trade bodies if a commitment has been made to guarantee the quality of stock. What sells in today’s market is quality, rarity and provenance and as a dealer we have to guarantee that a purchase is safe.” says Pom Harrington, one of the leading antiquarian dealers in the UK.

The fair stands as one of the top antiquarian books fairs in the world alongside Paris and New York and now, in its 53rd year, the oldest of all of the collectors’ fairs in London. “This Fair is our flagship event; the mix of dealers from 15 countries around the world creates a genuinely intercontinental flavour which is of course reflected in the stock on view.” says Robert Frew, Chairman of the Fair.

New exhibitors and events in 2010

New exhibitors in 2010 include Fuad Audi (Italy), Librairie Auguste Blaizot (France), Librairie Moorthamers (France), Contact Editions (Canada), The Cornstalk Bookshop (Australia), Nikodim Publisher (Russia) as well as UK dealers Deborah Coltham Rare Books, High Street Books and Sophie Schneidemann Rare Books. For the first time ever, there will be an exhibitor from China, Cathay Bookshop Beijing.

In the Downstairs section, the fair will once again provide space to bookbinders, private presses and other affiliated trades, after the successful launch of this new area in 2009. Saturday 5 June will see the Book Fair Road Show where visitors are encouraged to bring in books and manuscripts for appraisal by experts.

The Fair will host a Charity Preview on Thursday 3 June from 2 to 4 pm before the official fair opening in aid of The Royal Society of Literature, supporting their mission to promote and extend the knowledge and love of English literature. Through public lectures and debates, awards and master classes, the Society encourages writers at all stages, and campaigns on issues affecting readers and writers.

The Organisers are pleased to welcome Melvyn Bragg as Patron of the London International Antiquarian Book Fair for 2010. Melvyn Bragg is widely recognised as an English author, broadcaster and media personality, well known for his work on The South Bank Show on ITV and is a Fellow and supporter of the Royal Society of Literature.

www.olympiabookfair.com

The new website – in a beautiful modern design - provides visitors and the press with all relevant information about the highlights of the upcoming event. Here and on Facebook you will find all the news about the world’s oldest and most important antiquarian book fair.

53rd London International Antiquarian Book Fair at Olympia, June 3-5, 2010

Olympia Exhibition Centre, Olympia Two
Hammersmith Road, London W14 8 UX

Advance Tickets free of charge for download from the website
On the door: £10 single
Opening Hours:
Thursday 3 June 4pm – 9pm
Friday 4 June 11am – 7pm
Saturday 6 June 11am – 5.30pm

www.olympiabookfair.com

The official press release to download (click above)