A fun day at set-up!

I went to the book fair yesterday and helped and watched most people set up. It was interesting just to be there to watch people and not have the stress of the situation take over me. I was very impressed by the use of porters at the show. It gave it a much nicer quality than if you have to do these things like moving boxes around yourself.

Douglas Stewart Fine Books display

I walked around the fair and said hello to all those people I recognised. It was nice to see so many familiar faces. Although it was a little daunting to see how many people I will be introducing myself to. I don't think much will happen today because it is the first day of trade and I would hate to get in people's way.

After the fair, I went to dinner with Douglas Stewart. It was his first time exhibiting at Olympia. He explained  that coming to this fair, was something he aspired to as a young bookseller. It was very obvious how excited he was and how much it meant to him. In celebration he produced a very sexy catalogue. A high gloss thick card with a strikingly beautiful cover. He told me that while he is at the fair he will be sending this same catalogue to his special customers!

For dinner we went to this cute little place called Maggie's in Kensington Street. It had hanging baskets of lavender and posies of dried roses and large bowls of fruit for decoration. The lighting was low and intimate and there was a jolly feeling within the cosy atmosphere. The meal and the staff was lovely. I had a great time with Douglas and his sweet, smart assistant Caitlyn Littlewood.

Caitlyn Littlewood and Douglas Stewart

Douglas Stewart began his life in the book trade when he was still at school. He now runs a very successful business in Prahan, Melbourne that specialises in rare, collectible and antiquarian books. To find out more  go to his beautiful web site: http://www.douglasstewart.com.au