Peter Harrington Rare Books At TEFAF
The antiquarian book dealer offers incredibly rare finds at this year’s show.
Over 7,000 years of art will be on view from March 14–19 at one of the premier antiques and design events of the year, TEFAF Maastricht. One of two annual shows that take place in New York City and the Netherlands, the Dutch city locale is hosting over 260 dealers from 20 countries from throughout the world and is showcasing both contemporary and antique art objects through ten sections: Ancient Art, Antiques, Design, Jewelry, Modern & Contemporary Art, Paintings, Works on Paper, Showcase, Focus, and Arts of Africa & Oceania.
Among the items on display will be the earliest obtainable complete map of Europe, a rare early Ming dynasty paper bank note, and fifteenth-century printed editions of Marco Polo’s travels. The lucky vendor of these treasures is antiquarian book dealer Peter Harrington Rare Books. The English retailer, which sells online and at its Chelsea, Mayfair, and Upper East Side locations, will be presenting a curated selection of museum-caliber pieces, including rare books, manuscripts, and early printed paper products.
Owner Pom Harrington has given Kovels Antique Trader a sneak peek at what they will display at this year’s TEFAF presentation, alongside some advice for burgeoning ephemera collectors.
Kovels Antique Trader (KAT): What is the overarching theme or curatorial concept behind your TEFAF Maastricht display this year?
Pom Harrington (PH): For TEFAF Maastricht this year, we will present a number of exceptional works that trace the transmission of knowledge across cultures and centuries, celebrating the book as both a carrier of ideas and an object of craftsmanship and beauty.
Our presentation begins in Asia with manuscripts and artefacts connected to the early history of printing, storytelling, and belief, including a ninth-century Buddhist scroll, the world’s oldest novel preserved in a custom-made lacquer cabinet, and one of the earliest printed texts enclosed in a finely preserved wooden pagoda, alongside objects linked to Marco Polo’s encounter with paper money in the court of Kublai Khan.
From these eastern origins, the story turns westward to the printed chronicles of European exploration, from early reports of Magellan’s circumnavigation to accounts of Portuguese expansion and Dutch routes to the Indies. One of our highlights is a complete portolan chart of Europe in private hands ––a monument to the moment when geographical knowledge, artistic skill, and maritime ambition combined to picture the continent as a whole.
We will also present landmarks of literature and science that reshaped intellectual history––from Shakespeare and Joyce to Galileo, Newton, Darwin, and Einstein––alongside works exploring the dialogue between image and text, such as plates from William Blake’s Songs of Experience.
KAT: How long have you been exhibiting at TEFAF Maastricht? What do you look forward to this year?
PH: This is the third year we will be participating in TEFAF Maastricht. It is undoubtedly among the most prestigious global arts and antiques fairs, bringing together a high caliber of global collectors, both institutional and private, many of whom collect across disciplines and actively seek works that work in dialogue with one another.
Our presentation reflects this approach. For instance, we are showcasing three objects that link Marco Polo’s account of Asia with one of the practices that most astonished medieval Europe: Chinese paper money. The group is led by the rarest of all fifteenth-century printed editions of Polo’s travels, accompanied by two Chinese monetary artefacts with fascinating provenance––an early Ming paper currency note and a Yuan dynasty stone printing block used to produce paper money.
KAT: What trends are you seeing in the rare book and manuscript market? Have collector interests shifted in recent years?
PH: We are seeing growing interest among collectors from the East in works from the early canon of Western printed material. While there has long been deep respect for manuscript culture––particularly painted and calligraphic works––collectors are increasingly seeking early printed books, not only vernacular translations of major texts, but also first editions in their original languages.
Among institutions building new collections, there is also a strong emphasis on condition––something that has always been central in the rare book world. Museums increasingly seek works in excellent, displayable condition, and private collectors follow that institutional lead.
Many collectors begin with books of personal resonance and gradually build collections that blend passion with cultural curiosity. The results are more collections that move beyond traditional high spots and develop in more nuanced, personal, and eclectic ways. As a rare book firm, we are able to support this process by helping collectors source, shape, and build collections with both depth and coherence over time.
KAT: What advice would you give to new collectors interested in rare books today?
PH: Buy what you love and collect what genuinely interests you. Buying speculatively without understanding the material rarely builds lasting value. Most collectors begin with books of personal interest and gradually shape a collection around a theme, era, author, or genre.
The greatest collectible value usually lies in a work’s first appearance, so first editions are important. And then buying the best copy you can afford. Condition plays a major role in the value of rare books. Avoid incomplete copies and be cautious of books that show heavy repair or restoration. This is somewhat less critical for antiquarian books, but for 20th-century first editions, condition is paramount.
Finally, work with reputable dealers––ideally members of recognized trade associations such as the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB), the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association (ABA), or the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA)––who can help ensure authenticity, avoid costly mistakes, and guide the development of a thoughtful collection.
For more information about Peter Harrington Rare Books, visit peterharrington.co.uk.
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