Monday 10 February 2014

Kissing Books



Last month I revived one of my favourite activities- going to auctions. The quirky auction house at Semely http://www.semleyauctioneers.com/  seems just about perfect to me. Everybody is friendly and good humoured and there is a lovely lady selling tea, coffee, bacon rolls and slices of home-made cake to sustain the inner buyer. I love the careful searching and researching needed when looking for stock, the growing excitement as 'the' lot gets closer and the sheer zing of adrenaline when you bid and win!
I bought a fine collection of books and after further research and pricing they were ready to take to Dairy House Antiques www.dairyhouseantiques.com where I have my little bookshelf.
On a cold morning I was tempted to join Lily and enjoy the fire...




However, I set to work to tidy my shelves and add my new books. I try to have a selection of books with interesting contents


As well as those that are beautiful to look at!


I get very excited when I find a fabulous book and as I have explained before, I have been known to kiss them!
These are my favourites at present:


Just look at the old cars!


The papers mark where the plates are



And finally,

Ladies' Calender 1838



All the plates are hand coloured

After sorting my own stock I couldn't resist a little look around the shop. As always, there are enticing and eclectic displays.







And finally, some of my more delicate books in pride of place on the counter



Dairy House is a very good place for me and my books to be!

22 comments:

  1. Gorgeous books - what a lovely thing to do!

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    1. I'm lucky, \i never get bored with my books! jane xx

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  2. I really must get to Semley one day soon ... it's not as if I live far away!

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    1. Do go, you never know, we might actually meet! Jane xx

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  3. Ooh Jane, love your books! (especially the Ladies calendar)

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    1. I was so excited when I opened it, it's rather a scruffy little volume but those plates...! Jane xx

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  4. I would like to visit your shop; your shelves and the whole shop look enticing. I adore old books and you have found some beauties, I like the one titled Floral World.

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    1. I try to collect Gardening books whenever possible. The plates in these two are glowing with colour!- Jane xx

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  5. Love the books! Thanks for sharing some of the plates and I just had to stop by Dairy House Antiques website!
    All the best,

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    1. I'm so glad you had an extra look at Dairy House, it's a gem of a place! Jane xx

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  6. This looks like the perfect shop to me. I'm sure your books only enhance the overall experience. Diane

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    1. Hello Diane- Thank you, it's quite a new venture, although other dealers have books, I'm the only Bookseller. Luckily everybody seems very keen and its going really well. Jane xx

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  7. I do wish I lived closer as it looks a perfect setting for your books. I love the look of the floral world such beautiful illustrations. Hope you have lots of sales. Karen xx

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  8. I hope this new venture does well. My best friend and I love book-collecting - hope there are plenty like us around!

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  9. Hi Jane! I just saw your comment. Thank you for missing me! Imiss blogging, too, but so much has changed, I am yet to feel settled, though I am supposed to be happy, as I now spend so much time in Italy. I might have just realized that places mean nothing and the only real place, where you can find happiness, is inside your heart and soul.

    Watch out for my new post, Jane! I'll be back soon!

    With love

    ANNA
    xxx

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    1. Do come back soon my dear. All the most loving people have their internal battles and sadness I find. I hope you feel happier soon. Lots of love Jane xx

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  10. Hello Jane, sounds like you are having a bit too much fun! Your books look lovely. Good luck with your new venture. Happy Valentine's Day! Love Linda x

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  11. Another quick hello to all you lovely blog-friends. Thanks for all your messages. I'll keep you posted about my books and vintage treats! Love Jane xxx

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  12. Jane, I thought I had left a comment on here after it first appeared. I can't see it, but I was just rereading the post. I just LOVE the look of some of your "special" books and itch to read them.

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