New dates for Olympia 2011 announced

The dates for the 54th London International Antiquarian Book Fair at Olympia
have been confirmed for Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th June 2011.

This website will be updated soon.

Olympia 2010 attracts serious collectors again

The 53rd London International Antiquarian Book Fair, the oldest such book fair in the world and London’s oldest collectors fair, has proved once again that London is a key marketplace for the serious collector and dealer.

Stock of exceptional quality gathered by over 150 internationally renowned dealers from 18 countries made this year’s fair, once again, an outstanding event in the global calendar.

The introduction of a Charity Preview in aid of the Royal Society of Literature resulted in increased visitor numbers on the first day and dealers reported an enjoyable buying atmosphere, being able to entertain specially invited clients in an exclusive setting.

The fair began with very good visitor numbers on Opening Day and was well attended throughout Friday and Saturday. But it’s not simply the number of visitors that indicates a successful fair. This year’s fair suggested that high quality stock continues to attract serious buyers even in these difficult times, whether they are buying as institutions, private collectors or dealers.

Robert Frew, Chairman of the Olympia Committee:
“We will continue to provide the international antiquarian book trade with a platform to meet new clients and repeat business year on year. During the three days of the fair, I met many of my colleagues from around the world and we can see that the buying is healthy. Without mentioning names, there were a number of significant 6-figure sales at the fair and a number of dealers report good 'follow-on' business .”

The works on display at the fair covered a vast range of collectors’ interests: rare books from the genesis of European printing in the 15th century through to the present day, including first editions, fine bindings, illustrated books, manuscripts, maps, prints and all manner of ephemera.

Organised by the Antiquarian Booksellers Association (ABA), the fair is sanctioned by the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB), and all exhibitors must be ILAB affilates.

Adrian Harrington, President of ILAB:
"Once again the ABA showed how to organise a highly successful fair attracting top international dealers and collectors. Fairs such as Olympia are a hugely important market place for the antiquarian book trade.”

The Downstairs section, now in its 2nd year, gave exhibition space to bookbinders, private presses and other affiliated trades and was again a very welcome addition to the whole fair.

For the first time Downstairs also offered lectures on trade specific topics and on book collecting, with similar talks to be repeated next year. Saturday also saw the first ever ABA Road Show, which was a great success.