Exploring the Artistic Nature of Curation with Christopher's Rare Books

Cassandra Mayer
Oct 11, 2024
2 min read

Christopher De Lotbiniere of Christopher’s Rare Books took advantage of his artistic eye and interest in the visual arts transitioning from being a full time painter into a career as a book dealer specializing in modern first editions and children’s books. This transition came about rather naturally as he had previously worked in publishing, studied English Literature in university as an undergraduate, and has been a lifelong book collector.

Toni Morrison, A Mercy, New York: Knopf, 2008 Signed on the title page.First Edition, First Printing. A meditation on the roots of slavery in America, set in the early colonies of the 1680s. Morrison assembles a cast of settlers, some Dutch, some religious refugees, some native Indian, all of whom have to make grave compromises, to survive. — Toni Morrison, **A Mercy**, New York: Knopf, 2008 Signed on the title page.First Edition, First Printing. A meditation on the roots of slavery in America, set in the early colonies of the 1680s. Morrison assembles a cast of settlers, some Dutch, some religious refugees, some native Indian, all of whom have to make grave compromises, to survive.

His interest in artistically striking book jackets began at an exhibit in San Francisco. Each room contained a collection of paintings from the 50’s, 60’s and 70's and had a selection of books published during that decade at the entrance with artwork on the jackets commissioned by artists to represent the feeling of the time. He emphasized that jackets add an immense value to the book especially if they are graphically interesting.

While De Lotbiniere said that he loves selling to other dealers, he also makes a real effort to bring less expensive inventory to entice people into the world of collecting.

“It’s sort of a crazy game to find books that kindle enthusiasm in people. Especially with children’s books, they have this very strong emotional connection. You’re trying to bring to them a book which reminds them of something,” he said.

De Lotbiniere typically attends around 10 book fairs every year, also selling on his digital storefronts at Biblio.com and Abebooks.com. Come see what Christopher’s Rare Books has to offer at the Northampton Antiquarian Book, Ephemera, and Book Arts Fair on Friday, November 21st, 5 -8 pm and Saturday, the 22nd, 10am - 4pm in the Community Arts Trust at 33 Hawley Street.

For advance tickets and fair information: click here