Hunting for Rare Books in Kensington

If you're planning on staying in Kensington specifically to go in search of some reasonably priced rare books, some naysayers may tell you that you’re wasting your time. Their logic runs that as Kensington is one of London’s most desirable boroughs for visitors, how on earth can it be possible to find rare books at bargain prices locally?Well, it is - and here’s why.

A haven for antique dealers

Anywhere in the world where you get lots of well-heeled visitors coming and going to prestigious hotels and local major tourist spots, you can be sure that the antique profession will also be well represented. British antiques, of one sort or another, are highly sought after around the world, and people staying in Kensington's hotels are renowned as being extremely fond of the many local antique shops nearby.

That might lead you to think that the said antique dealers will have thoroughly and completely researched everything they own and that bargains would be impossible to find. In fact, that’s not quite as straightforward an assumption as it might first appear.

The first thing to remember is that, particularly in the case of antique books, many dealers will buy stock in bulk rather than as individual volumes - quite often as large collections or library contents that have been acquired at a public auction or estate clearance.

In theory, the dealer concerned should take as long as is required to thoroughly research the books they have purchased and catalogue them by rarity and price accordingly. Yet while many will try to do so, the reality of life is that they are also under intense pressure from a conflicting business imperative – that of maintaining cash flow and turnover.

The practicalities

While that individual dealer who is sitting there looking at 15 individual boxes of books may have every desire to look at each volume carefully, the reality is that they probably have their bank manager on their back demanding income. They will be under intense pressure to sell, and when anyone is under pressure it inevitably leads to oversights. This is exactly where your opportunity arises if you are staying in Kensington and have the time to go in search of treasure.

Visiting a local antique books dealer can be surprisingly successful in terms of spotting bargains. As a general rule, you may well be able to discount those books that are prominently displayed. The chances are they have been very thoroughly analysed and researched prior to offering them prominence on that display. What you're looking for are the larger job lots comprising many volumes that might be still covered in dust and grime. That may be an indication (though only maybe) that the books concerned have not been thoroughly examined. Even if they have been looked at closely, there is always the possibility that in the rush to get things moving through the shop, the dealer will have failed to notice a rarer and more valuable volume in there.

Can you really spot rare and sometimes valuable volumes at bargain prices in such outlets? Yes you can and it’s not even unusual. On the other hand, patience will be required and success isn’t guaranteed. Still, part of the fun of staying in Kensington is that you’ll be well placed to rummage around some truly great antique bookstores for those precious bargains. Matthew Zelinski works for the London Regency Hotel, one of the top hotels in Kensington. If you’re staying in Kensington, this wonderful hotel embodies the true flavour of the area, with its traditional regency-style façade and superb facilities. Whether you're looking for accommodation in London for business or leisure, the Regency offers an effortlessly elegant experience.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.