Much-loved antique book shop in Warwick turns 60
A much-loved antique book shop in Warwick will be marking its 60th anniversary this week.
Duncan Allsop Antiquarian Booksellers in Smith Street will be celebrating the milestone on October 31.
The shop was founded in 1966 by Duncan Allsop and, at the time, it was located at number 26 Smith Street.
In 1999, the shop moved to number 68 Smith Street, where it still is today.
Duncan started off in the book trade in the 1950s as a junior apprentice in the London offices of Stechert-Hafner, which specialised in import/export of books on all subjects, particularly reference material to American libraries and institutions.
He moved to Warwick and established his own business in 1966, gradually acquiring stock, with particular interest in cricket, Warwickshire, the 19th century explorer Richard Burton, colour plate books, and fine bindings.
This in turn gave him the opportunity to travel widely visiting fellow dealers and the increasing number of book fairs.
Although he was an advocate of face-to-face customer service, he saw the role of the internet in the trade, and started selling online in 2000.
Duncan died 2016, which was also his 50th year of membership to the Antiquarian Book Association (ABA).
Since then the business and shop has been run by his wife Veronica.
Veronica said: “Duncan firmly believed that for every book on a shelf, there is a potential customer out there, and that it is our job to find them.
“It has been a privilege and pleasure to carry on Duncan’s legacy.
“I have been wonderfully supported by my family and friends and also our marvellous clients here and around the world.
“We are one of the last independent antiquarian, rare and modern booksellers in Warwickshire.”
The anniversary is particularly poignant for Veronica, her family and for those who knew Duncan.
As well as marking this 60th milestone on October 31, it would have also been Duncan’s 90th birthday.
Veronica said: “As it is 60 years in the street, and would have been Duncan's 90th birthday, we be all raising a few drinks to Smith Street's own 'Warlock'.
“Many thanks to all our customers home and abroad who have supported us over the years – and to those who still support us, we hope to see you in the years to come.”