All about us: Established in York in 1948, with over 70 years of experience we are always happy to provide professional and confidential advice - whether you are an experienced collector or a first time buyer or seller.
Rare and Secondhand Books, Manuscripts & Documents, contemporary art exhibitions, designer cards, and in winter a real coal fire. There is on-street parking right outside our door - a rarity for York!
I joined Spelmans in 1979, becoming a partner in 1984, and since 2012 I've owned the business with my wife Nicki.
I have served on the Council of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association, and was Chairman of the ABA Rare Book Fair London from 2014-2018. I am currently Fair Manager of the PBFA York National Book Fair, the largest fair of its kind in the U.K.
SELLING?
If you are thinking of selling or thinning out your collections - or just have individual books of interest - then contact me - I buy books in all quantities and travel extensively throughout the country. I am also always keen to purchase any manuscripts, diaries, journals, inventories, estate plans &c pre 1850.
Cataloguing, Consultancy, & Commission
An established part of my business is in cataloguing collections (for both the trade and private customers), offering consultancy advice, valuations for insurance or probate, and successfully handling significant items & specialist collections on a private commission basis:
contact: tony.fothergill@kenspelman.com
For nearly 40 years I have worked with major institutions and collectors in developing their libraries.
We stock original prints by a number of leading modern printmakers, including Andrew Waddington, Neil Bousfield, Angela Harding, Tom Frost, Hannah West, Matte Stephens, Alan Turnbull, Tessa Asquith-Lamb. Also the shop now stocks a superb range of designer cards, and wrapping paper, and we even offer a free wrapping service for purchases. Also books by Mark Hearld, and his wonderful flying bird cut-outs.
In 2017 I was delighted to announce that I established the York University Book Collecting Prize. It is open to all students at the University of York, and offers the opportunity to win a £500 cash prize, and to progress to the ABA National Book Collecting Prize.
Spelman's Book Voucher: Buy one below and use anytime against a future purchase.
Book fairs - I exhibit at the following major ABA & PBFA Fairs each year, Cambridge, London, Chelsea, Oxford, & York. complimentary tickets for all fairs
COVID-19 UPDATE: Although we are still closed, nearly all our stock is now on-line, and we are posting out daily, or you can collect from the shop by appointment. If you have books to sell we are buying, so contact us. Books can be dropped off at the shop most afternoons Monday-Friday but please ring first.
"Thank you for the great selection of cards that arrived this morning!" N.P.
CARDS & NOTECARDS: Known for stocking one of the best and most innovative selection of blank greetings cards in York, we are now sending out mixed bundles of 5 cards for £10 post free (UK) - these are from a wide range of independent printmakers, as well as Art Angels, Green Pebble, &c. Trust us, they are very well chosen by Susie at the shop! We also have packs of 10 notecards and envelopes. Just click below to order.The images above are just representational and may not be ones that are still available.
PUBLISHERS' REMAINDERS:
We have a large & varied stock of quality publishers' remainders (new books at heavily discounted prices). We are adding titles constantly so do take a look here.
EBAY:
Visit our store on ebay, with over 4,000 items for sale, the majority not listed elsewhere.
I send out a monthly list of 10 interesting recent acquisitions. These have not appeared anywhere else before, and there will only ever be 10 on each list.
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rints by a number of leading modern printmakers, including Andrew Waddington, Neil Bousfield, Angela Harding, Tom Frost, Hannah West, Matte Stephens, Alan Turnbull, Tessa Asquith-Lamb. Also the shop now stocks a superb range of designer cards, and wrapping paper, and we even offer a free wrapping service for purchases. Also books by Mark Hearld, and his wonderful flying bird cut-outs. 
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