A Day at Sotheran's London: Bookselling Magic

Have you ever dreamed of working in a centuries-old bookshop? What would it be like to handle rare and valuable books every day?

In his book Once Upon a Tome, Oliver Darkshire takes us behind the scenes of Sotheran's London, one of the world's oldest and most prestigious bookshops. You'll discover the quirks, challenges, and joys of life as a bookseller in this historic establishment.

Join us as we explore a typical day at Sotheran's London, where history and modern bibliophilia collide in the most fascinating ways.

A Typical Day at Sotheran's London

Have you ever wondered what it's like to work in one of the world's oldest and most prestigious bookshops? Let's take a peek into the daily life of a bookseller at Sotheran's London, where history meets modern bibliophilia. This renowned establishment offers a unique glimpse into the world of rare books and literary treasures.

Morning: Opening the Shop

As you arrive at Sackville Street, nestled between Piccadilly and Regent Street, you're greeted by the Georgian elegance of Sotheran's. The creaking floorboards and towering bookshelves welcome you as you prepare for the day ahead.

Your first task is to check for any overnight leaks. You strategically place buckets to catch any drips from the ceiling – a quirky reminder of the building's age and ongoing maintenance challenges.

Next, you'll want to take a quick inventory. Is Dave, the taxidermied owl, still perched in his glass dome? Are the rare editions securely locked away? It's all part of preserving the unique atmosphere that makes Sotheran's special.

Midday: Serving Customers

As the day progresses, you'll encounter a wide variety of customers. From young tattoo enthusiasts to seasoned collectors, each visitor is a potential buyer of a treasured volume.

You've developed a keen eye for genuine buyers, a skill that's part art, part science. When someone inquires about Charles Dickens' final, incomplete work, you know just where to find it and how to describe its condition using terms like "extra-illustrated" or "mellowed."

But not all customers are straightforward. You might encounter the infamous "Scarecrow Man," known for causing disruptions. Thanks to the Booksellers Association's warning system, you're prepared to handle such situations with grace and tact.

Afternoon: Cataloging and Research

After lunch, it's time to dive into the meticulous work of cataloging. Armed with a UV torch, you examine books for hidden restorations and make detailed notes in the catalog descriptions.

You might spend some time in the compact bibliographic reference area, ensuring you're using the correct terminology to describe a "variegated binding" or an "assorted volume in a series."

Evening: House Calls and Acquisitions

As closing time approaches, you prepare for an evening house call. These visits can be adventurous, taking you to remote locations in search of unique collections.

You pack your essentials: a measuring tape, pen for annotations, and the all-important set of keys. You never know what you might find – perhaps a gourd adorned with Queen Victoria's likeness or a rare botanical text hidden in an attic.

Closing Time: Reflection and Preparation

As you lock up the shop, you reflect on the day's events. You've balanced the roles of saint, detective, and acrobat, all while preserving the unique "House Style" that makes Sotheran's special.

Before leaving, you check the online orders and update the store's social media. It's a reminder that even a centuries-old institution like Sotheran's must adapt to the digital age.

The Sotheran's Experience

Working at Sotheran's is more than just a job – it's a calling. You're not just selling books; you're preserving history, connecting with passionate bibliophiles, and continuing a tradition that stretches back to 1761.

Every day brings new challenges and discoveries. You might debate the intricacies of book pricing with a customer one moment and navigate the store's alleged haunting the next. The ghost of Henry Sotheran himself is said to cause books to jump from shelves and display cases to open mysteriously.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation

While Sotheran's cherishes its rich history, it's not stuck in the past. You're part of the effort to bring this venerable institution into the 21st century. This means embracing online sales, improving the store's website, and engaging with customers through social media.

But it's not just about technology. Sotheran's also grapples with ethical considerations in the rare book trade. You take pride in the store's commitment to responsible selling, ensuring that sensitive historical materials find appropriate homes where they can be studied and contextualized.

Community and Continuity

As a Sotheran's bookseller, you're part of a tight-knit community. You share a specialized language and set of skills passed down through generations. From James, the experienced mentor, to the newest apprentice, everyone plays a role in preserving the store's legacy.

You're not just selling books – you're curating experiences, solving mysteries, and connecting people with pieces of history. Whether you're helping a collector find the perfect addition to their Dracula-themed library or assisting a nervous gift-giver in choosing the ideal rare book, your expertise and passion shine through.

At the end of the day, as you turn off the lights and bid farewell to the silent shelves, you can't help but feel a sense of pride. You're not just a bookseller – you're a guardian of knowledge, a preserver of history, and a link in a chain that stretches back centuries. Tomorrow, you'll do it all again, ready for whatever new adventures Sotheran's London has in store.