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Book sale at Sothebys auction house, London
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Book sale at Sothebys auction house, London
A book sale taking place at Sothebys auction house, London. Mr Bernard Quaritch (1819-1899), the German-born British bookseller and collector, is seated just in front of the auctioneers desk. By the late 1880s, Quaritch had developed the largest trade in old books in the world. Date: 1888
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Media ID 20141083
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Bubblepunk
1819 1888 1899 Antiquarian Auction Auctioneer Auctions Bernard Bibliophile Bookseller Born Buying Collector Dealer Desk Sale Selling Sothebys
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In this evocative photograph, taken in 1888, we find ourselves in the hallowed halls of Sotheby's auction house in London, where the thrill of the bibliophilic hunt is palpable in the air. At the heart of the scene sits Mr. Bernard Quaritch, a German-born British bookseller and collector, his keen gaze fixed on the auctioneer's desk. By the late 1880s, Quaritch had established himself as the foremost antiquarian dealer in old books, with a global trade that had eclipsed all others. The auction room is filled with an eager crowd of bibliophiles, their eyes scanning the treasured tomes on display with rapt attention. The atmosphere is electric, as the anticipation builds for the next lot to be called. Quaritch, a seasoned veteran of such sales, sits poised and ready, pen in hand, to secure the rarest and most coveted finds. The auctioneer, with a practiced hand, expertly wields his gavel, guiding the bidding process with deft precision. The room is a symphony of whispered conversations, the rustle of turning pages, and the sharp clang of the gavel as each lot finds a new home. As the sale continues, Quaritch's reputation as a shrewd and knowledgeable dealer only grows. His presence at Sotheby's is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the world of books and the endless pursuit of knowledge they contain. This photograph captures a moment in time, a snapshot of a bygone era, where the allure of the written word and the thrill of the hunt remain ever present.
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