One of Britain's largest stocks of second-hand books ever amassed
9 days ago
- #rare collections
- #Yorkshire Dales
- #antiquarian books
- Richard Axe has amassed one of Britain's largest second-hand book collections in a former youth hostel in Yorkshire Dales, with over 150,000 volumes.
- Unlike commercial booksellers, Richard primarily acquired books for his personal collection, rarely selling more than £1,000 worth weekly.
- Richard operated successfully in both 'good quality second-hand books' and 'specialist antiquarian books,' attending auctions nationwide.
- The internet has polarized the antique book market, making rare editions easier to find but increasing the value of genuinely uncommon items.
- A first edition of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone' is extremely rare, with fine copies valued at around £50,000.
- Richard's collection includes unique items like Cecil Beaton’s scrapbook, which featured sketches by Jean Cocteau and Mick Jagger.
- The building housing the collection required minimal structural changes, but extensive shelving was built, stretching over a mile.
- Richard’s sculpture garden features philosophical follies, symbolizing the unattainable, reflecting the avid collector's mindset.
- Due to declining health, Richard is selling his estate and collection for around £1.5 million, hoping it remains intact.
- Richard plans to retain some personal collections, including antiquarian books on Yorkshire, football, and 18th-19th century folding maps.