Firsts London 2026 Theme is 'Revolution'
Philadelphia Continental Congress paper currency at Firsts London this year
Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair returns to the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea from May 14 through May 17 with the theme of 'Revolution' to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
More than 100 international booksellers will mark the theme of all sorts of revolutions, political, philosophical, cultural, social or scientific, including printing itself. As in previous years, Firsts will spread out across three floors of London’s Saatchi Gallery.
The fair's Charity partner for 2026 is the Senate House Library. Catriona Cannon, Librarian and Programme Director for the Library Transformation Programme, said: “Senate House Library has a huge archive of materials relating to the theme of revolution in all its forms, from Civil War to the Suffragettes. Our Heisler Archive, Cartonera collection and acquisitions such as wartime bulletins by working class Londoners all demonstrate the depth of the library archive, much of it accessible both in person and online.
“Our partnership with Firsts London reflects a shared commitment to exploring how books and manuscripts shape, record, and transmit ideas that change the world. By connecting Senate House Library’s academic community with the international rare book trade, we aim to broaden access to primary sources, deepen historical understanding, and highlight the enduring relevance of printed works as agents of intellectual and cultural revolution.”
Opening hours will be May 14, 5pm-9pm (Private View); May 15, 11am to 8pm; May 16, 11am-6pm; and May 17, 11am to 5pm.
