I recall that, when I first started selling books, a client asked for trade catalogues by Gerald Summers and “Makers of Simple Furniture”. I have to admit that I have never found one in the years I have been selling  books  but keep on looking and I have come across adverts and references to this firm and its founder, Gerald Summers, who seems to have known more that most about how to make a chair or table from plywood.  Renowned for his ability to construct from a single sheet of birch plywood  a chair and make all kinds of furniture from the product, his furniture rather that his name and that of his wife and partner Marjorie Summers, is more often recognized and associated with art deco, Alvar Aalto and the concept of “Furniture from Machines”, popularized by the book by Gordon Logie of that name.

Now a new generation Furniture Company “1934” run by Abel Sloane and Ruby Woodhouse have produced a beautifully crafted book with photographic illustrations of some of the main pieces made by the firm. This lovely books is for sale at our shop and can be sent out to you if you would like a copy. Please contact us directly to make an order. 

We are attending the Cambridge Book fair on the 16th and 17th February which we hope to see you at should you be in the area.  The shop in York has a BOOK SALE throughout January where all books in the shop are 25% off the price if under £50.00 – there are 1000s to chose from so come along. In the shop on 20th January 2018 2-4pm we are holding a book signing for Rita Wood, a York author who has produced a new book on Romanesque Sculpture. Come along if you are in York that afternoon and there will be wine and nibbles. Our shop is always cosy on a winter afternoon and we will make you welcome.

There were floods in York in December 2016.  This was start of a campaign by the 30 initial businesses to  turn this negative news of the floods into a positive. The creation of a logo for independent shops to display in their windows and share the message that ‘York is open for business’ was the next step in February 2016. Now the project is expanding to include about 100 independent shops who aim through a map and directory to draw attention to the local distinctiveness of York.  We are part of that project. The best way to support local shops is to shop in them and so if you are in the city look out for the logo and map and if planning a visit to the city then have a look at the website of this pioneering self help project. www.indieyork.co.uk