By Sarah Smith
Q and I are grateful for our time at the Washington Antiquarian Book Fair. Q was a big help and is becoming quite a bookseller.
It was a pleasure to spend time with Beth Campbell, director of the WABF, and with so many of our antiquarian book colleagues. The WABF was at the Rosslyn Holiday Inn in Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac River from downtown Washington, D.C. About sixty dealers and a steady stream of book lovers from all over the region enjoyed three large conference rooms on the second floor of the well-located hotel.
This was the first book fair I’d ever attempted on my own, and I felt quite anxious about it. From the moment I walked into set-up, however, the thoughtfully managed details, courtesy of Beth Campbell; along with the congeniality of our wonderful trade members, worked to put me at ease. Seeing many familiar faces from the Florida Antiquarian Book Fair was a delight, and I was grateful for the kindness showered on Q and I from all of the businesses represented at the fair.
As soon as Q realized that the Sanftlebens, of Read ‘Em Again Books, were exhibiting, he raced to their booth and began asking after their charming granddaughter, his “old friend,” from several past book fair adventures with Granddad Slicker.Arrangements were made and the two pals got an entire Saturday to explore the fair together. Renowned bookbinder and conservator Jill Deiss, of Cat Tail Run Bookbinding, gave several riveting demonstrations during Saturday’s show. Q and his “old friend” were rapt, and Q is still showing off the gold-leaf initials Ms. Deiss generously allowed him to apply to his wallet!
One of the most pleasurable and edifying aspects of this trip were the engaging conversations I enjoyed during the fair. I had the luxury of being surrounded by many more experienced members of the trade, and each was incredibly generous in offering insight and imparting wisdom gained from their years of experience. In addition, I enjoyed talking with visiting collectors from all over the region, who were each remarkably knowledgeable.
Talking “shop” with Beth Campbell over our shared experiences in book fair management was delightful! Conversations over the weekend ranged from pricing and consignment agreements to childrearing and circus animal care, hitting upon children’s literature, D. C. driving conditions, and the direction of the antiquarian book trade along the way!
I returned from D.C. feeling grateful for the opportunity. The trip was a real joy, made wonderful by the thoughtful hospitality we were met with in the city and by the many kindnesses we experienced from colleagues and Beth Campbell and her staff. We can’t wait to return in 2019!
Sarah Smith works at Lighthouse Books, ABAA and is manager of the Florida Antiquarian Book Fair.
No comments:
Post a Comment