55th Australian Antiquarian Book Fair

It was only a week ago that Melbourne Rare Book Week and then Melbourne Rare Book Fair finished.

The Melbourne Rare Book Fair returned once again to Wilson Hall, The University of Melbourne. It is the major annual book fair of ANZAAB and one of only a few rare book fairs held in the Southern hemisphere. Now in its 53rd edition, the Fair again featured rare and wonderful books, manuscripts, ephemera, prints (and much more) from the best rare book and antiquarian dealers across Australia and New Zealand and from overseas.

This is a gathering of buyers, sellers and lovers of books not to be missed. Whatever your tastes may be, you are sure to find a rare and interesting book, print or piece of ephemera to add to your collection.

Thursday 31 July 6:00-9:00pm
Friday 1 August 10:00am-5:00pm
Saturday 2 August 10:00am-4:00pm

Bookings are not required for the Rare Book Fair and Entry is Free.

I attended the Fair over the three days, sketching on location. My sketches are used by Melbourne Rare Book Fair in their promotional and advertising and social media. It is very different from my sketching at MRBW talk, where I sit at the back of the room and sketch for an hour. At the Fair, people are constantly moving as they browse chat and sometimes buy.

Here are some from the 18 pages of my sketchbook I completed. For the first year, I filled my first sketchbook and started into a second.

My sketches from previous years were the branding for the Fair and they were everywhere!

Two bookmarks double sided

Posters – A3 & A5

The stickers that sealed a bag after you made a purchase at the Fair.

and most amazingly on the wall in the entryway of the Fair, next to the cloak room. My sketch was used last year and it came as a total surprise when I arrived. I was sent a photo in advance but was still amazed to see MY art on a wall !