Attic Books
Encyclopedia
Attic Books, one of Canada
's largest used books and antiquarian
independent bookstores is located in London, Ontario
. This company has been in business for over thirty years, and has been in its present location in the heart of downtown London for over ten years. Specializing in used and antiquarian
books, along with maps
, prints
, and ephemera
, Attic Books draws a large variety of customers.
(ILAB), the Antique Books Association of Canada (ABAC), and the Canadian Booksellers Association (CBA). He "appraises a variety of archives, books and other donations for a number of public institutions for insurance and tax purposes". As an established expert in his field, he was recently part of the Canadian Antiques Roadshow
. Before Attic Books, Marvin owned a record store in the early 1970s called B-side Records, which used the label from an antiquarian book press for its symbol, a triad of bumblebees. Before opening Attic Books, Marvin Post was a stamp dealer in 1969. He established Attic Books in 1976 and then became a founding shareholder of Canada Book Auctions in 1979. He joined the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of Canada (ABAC) and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) in 1981. An active participant in the book trade, he partnered with Gardner Galleries from 1982–1984 to create the London Book Auctions, the sole Canadian auction house at the time specializing in books and ephemera. He was a member of the London Historical Museum Committee, Co-Organizer of the Toronto Spring and Fall Bookfairs, member of the Strathroy Middlesex Museums Board and Director of the ABAC from 1993–1994. He joined the Canadian Booksellers Association in 1996, and appeared as a book expert on Canadian Antiques Roadshow in 2007. He has been a guest lecturer at the former School of Library and Information Science (Masters Program) at the University of Western Ontario on various aspects of the antiquarian book trade, its relationship with libraries, and the building and preserving of collections. He is a regular attendee at the Ottawa Book Fair, the Toronto Book Fair and the Toronto Paper Show.
. It is now one of the few longstanding destination businesses in downtown London.
Attic Books is selling Alexander Gallery maps and print on consignment.
Branching out into the online world of book retail, Attic Books now sells online stock at both ABE
and ILAB.
's fine art and fantasy cards and books can be purchased.
Involved in the community, Attic Books often sponsors and hosts awards and events in London, Ontario
.
He is also the only local supplier of Brodart
mylar jackets.
Attic Books also participates in large tradeshows in Toronto
and Ottawa
.
Canadian authors, such as Joan Barfoot
, Jean McKay, James Reaney
and Colleen Thibaudeau are regulars, as well as Robert Munsch
, Austin Clarke
and cartoonist Seth.
During a major renovation in 1919, Arts and Crafts elements were added to the façade. The back end of the store was extended and the mezzanine was added to the third floor. This renovation was designed and executed by famous London architect, J. M. Moore. Before 1919, the building matched the three structures that surround it, two to the west and one to the east. The elevator was installed in 1919, and was made by the Roelofsen Machine and Tool Co. in Galt, Ontario.
The large pane glass windows overlooking the street were installed by McPhillips & Co. in the 1930s. The outer two window panes on each of the upper picture windows pivoted to open like a door. These windows facilitated the movement of pianos from the street to the upper floors for display. They have since been sealed off for safety.
Marvin Post purchased the building from the Thompson family, owners of Supertest, in 1996. The Thompsons had owned it since the early 1930s. When repainting the elevator, Marvin removed 35 lbs. of lead paint from the car, unveiling a rainbow of colours that had been added over the years. The alternating dark and light wood on the second level flooring is called a “wedding floor,” made of walnut and maple, and can also be found in 242 Dundas next door. When Marvin Post took possession of the building in 1996, the toilets had not been updated, although the plumbing had been. The toilet tanks were still made of wood, and have since been replaced. In the basement is a section from the steam pipe that runs through the entire downtown, an old-fashioned form of heating.
The gargoyle overlooking Dundas St. was added by the current owner. It was designed by Florin Musta, and acquired through Tony O’Callaghan of Studio Celtia, former business at 240 Dundas.
1876 - 1880 Various small businesses
1880 Vacant
1881–1886 Reid Brothers & Co., stationers
1887–1892 Empire Tea Company (Main Floor)
Somerset Hall (Second Floor – London Temperance League)
1892–1907 Anderson & Nelles Drug Store (Main Floor)
Somerset Hall (Second Floor – London Temperance League)
1892 First electricity
1893 First telephone
1907–1919 People’s Outfitting Company, furniture
1919–1927 Thomas Furniture Company, furniture
1927 Gray’s Music, subsidiary of Eaton’s
1930–1965 McPhillips Company, pianos, radios, appliances
1965–1995 Robert Holmes Stationary, stationary and books
1996 – Present Attic Books, rare and fine used books
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
's largest used books and antiquarian
Antiquarian
An antiquarian or antiquary is an aficionado or student of antiquities or things of the past. More specifically, the term is used for those who study history with particular attention to ancient objects of art or science, archaeological and historic sites, or historic archives and manuscripts...
independent bookstores is located in London, Ontario
London, Ontario
London is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, situated along the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. The city has a population of 352,395, and the metropolitan area has a population of 457,720, according to the 2006 Canadian census; the metro population in 2009 was estimated at 489,274. The city...
. This company has been in business for over thirty years, and has been in its present location in the heart of downtown London for over ten years. Specializing in used and antiquarian
Antiquarian
An antiquarian or antiquary is an aficionado or student of antiquities or things of the past. More specifically, the term is used for those who study history with particular attention to ancient objects of art or science, archaeological and historic sites, or historic archives and manuscripts...
books, along with maps
MAPS
Maps is the plural of map, a visual representation of an area.As an acronym, MAPS may refer to:* Mail Abuse Prevention System, an organisation that provides anti-spam support...
, prints
Printmaking
Printmaking is the process of making artworks by printing, normally on paper. Printmaking normally covers only the process of creating prints with an element of originality, rather than just being a photographic reproduction of a painting. Except in the case of monotyping, the process is capable...
, and ephemera
Ephemera
Ephemera are transitory written and printed matter not intended to be retained or preserved. The word derives from the Greek, meaning things lasting no more than a day. Some collectible ephemera are advertising trade cards, airsickness bags, bookmarks, catalogues, greeting cards, letters,...
, Attic Books draws a large variety of customers.
Marvin Post
Marvin Post is the owner of Attic Books. He is a member of the International League of Antiquarian BooksellersInternational League of Antiquarian Booksellers
The International League of Antiquarian Booksellers is a non-profit umbrella organization of bookseller associations, with its legal location in Geneva, Switzerland. It federates 22 National Associations of Antiquarian Booksellers, representing nearly 2000 dealers in 32 countries...
(ILAB), the Antique Books Association of Canada (ABAC), and the Canadian Booksellers Association (CBA). He "appraises a variety of archives, books and other donations for a number of public institutions for insurance and tax purposes". As an established expert in his field, he was recently part of the Canadian Antiques Roadshow
Antiques Roadshow
Antiques Roadshow is a British television show in which antiques appraisers travel to various regions of the United Kingdom to appraise antiques brought in by local people. It has been running since 1979...
. Before Attic Books, Marvin owned a record store in the early 1970s called B-side Records, which used the label from an antiquarian book press for its symbol, a triad of bumblebees. Before opening Attic Books, Marvin Post was a stamp dealer in 1969. He established Attic Books in 1976 and then became a founding shareholder of Canada Book Auctions in 1979. He joined the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of Canada (ABAC) and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) in 1981. An active participant in the book trade, he partnered with Gardner Galleries from 1982–1984 to create the London Book Auctions, the sole Canadian auction house at the time specializing in books and ephemera. He was a member of the London Historical Museum Committee, Co-Organizer of the Toronto Spring and Fall Bookfairs, member of the Strathroy Middlesex Museums Board and Director of the ABAC from 1993–1994. He joined the Canadian Booksellers Association in 1996, and appeared as a book expert on Canadian Antiques Roadshow in 2007. He has been a guest lecturer at the former School of Library and Information Science (Masters Program) at the University of Western Ontario on various aspects of the antiquarian book trade, its relationship with libraries, and the building and preserving of collections. He is a regular attendee at the Ottawa Book Fair, the Toronto Book Fair and the Toronto Paper Show.
Attic Book's Story
The store originally opened in 1976 on the top floor of a building on Richmond St., which currently houses Bob Burke Jewellers. It then moved to an upper floor space on Clarence St. These locations lent themselves well to the shop’s name. In the 1980s, development in downtown London forced Attic Books out of its location, and it reopened in Parkhill, Ontario. In 1996, mayor Diane Haskett worked with proprietor Marvin Post to bring Attic Books back to London, OntarioLondon, Ontario
London is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, situated along the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. The city has a population of 352,395, and the metropolitan area has a population of 457,720, according to the 2006 Canadian census; the metro population in 2009 was estimated at 489,274. The city...
. It is now one of the few longstanding destination businesses in downtown London.
Recent history
Attic Books, in 2006, opened the second floor, which is specialized in antiquarian books, maps and prints, along with sections of collectibles, antiques and books on books. It was previously only available to dealers and known collectors. Now it is open to the public.Attic Books is selling Alexander Gallery maps and print on consignment.
Branching out into the online world of book retail, Attic Books now sells online stock at both ABE
Abebooks
AbeBooks is an online marketplace for books. Most books listed are used, many are rare or out-of-print, and a growing number are new books. The company is based in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, with offices in Düsseldorf, Germany, and in the US. It was incorporated in 1995 and launched its...
and ILAB.
Other information
Attic Books is one of the very few places where Charles van SandwykCharles van Sandwyk
Charles van Sandwyk is a Canadian artist, illustrator and author.- Background :Born in South Africa, van Sandwyk was exposed to art from an early age, as his father was a graphic designer. At age 12, he emigrated to Canada where his family settled in Deep Cove, North Vancouver, British Columbia...
's fine art and fantasy cards and books can be purchased.
Involved in the community, Attic Books often sponsors and hosts awards and events in London, Ontario
London, Ontario
London is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, situated along the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. The city has a population of 352,395, and the metropolitan area has a population of 457,720, according to the 2006 Canadian census; the metro population in 2009 was estimated at 489,274. The city...
.
He is also the only local supplier of Brodart
Brodart
Brodart Company is an international products and services company that serves libraries. Brodart is made up of three divisions: Books & Automation, Contract Library Furniture, and Supplies & Furnishings.-History:...
mylar jackets.
Attic Books also participates in large tradeshows in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
and Ottawa
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, the second largest city in the Province of Ontario, and the fourth largest city in the country. The city is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario...
.
Canadian authors, such as Joan Barfoot
Joan Barfoot
Joan Louise Barfoot is a Canadian novelist. She has published 11 novels, including Luck , which was a nomineee for the 2005 Scotiabank Giller Prize, and Critical Injuries , which was longlisted for the 2002 Man Booker Prize...
, Jean McKay, James Reaney
James Reaney
James Crerar Reaney was an influential Canadian poet, playwright, librettist, and professor, "whose works transform small-town Ontario life into the realm of dream and symbol."...
and Colleen Thibaudeau are regulars, as well as Robert Munsch
Robert Munsch
Robert Norman Munsch, CM is an American-born Canadian children's author.-Personal life and career:Robert Munsch was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania...
, Austin Clarke
Austin Clarke
Austin Ardinel Chesterfield Clarke, is a Canadian novelist, essayist and short story writer who lives in Toronto, Ontario. Born in St...
and cartoonist Seth.
History of the Building
The building at 240 Dundas St. is Late Victorian Red Brick Commercial. Originally, the building was a single floor and only about 20’ long. It was not expanded until the 1880s, when the second and third floor were added. The second floor was attached to 242 Dundas, creating a large space that accommodated Somerset Hall. Doorways on the main floor also allowed access to the adjacent building. A hoist existed where the current elevator can be found.During a major renovation in 1919, Arts and Crafts elements were added to the façade. The back end of the store was extended and the mezzanine was added to the third floor. This renovation was designed and executed by famous London architect, J. M. Moore. Before 1919, the building matched the three structures that surround it, two to the west and one to the east. The elevator was installed in 1919, and was made by the Roelofsen Machine and Tool Co. in Galt, Ontario.
The large pane glass windows overlooking the street were installed by McPhillips & Co. in the 1930s. The outer two window panes on each of the upper picture windows pivoted to open like a door. These windows facilitated the movement of pianos from the street to the upper floors for display. They have since been sealed off for safety.
Marvin Post purchased the building from the Thompson family, owners of Supertest, in 1996. The Thompsons had owned it since the early 1930s. When repainting the elevator, Marvin removed 35 lbs. of lead paint from the car, unveiling a rainbow of colours that had been added over the years. The alternating dark and light wood on the second level flooring is called a “wedding floor,” made of walnut and maple, and can also be found in 242 Dundas next door. When Marvin Post took possession of the building in 1996, the toilets had not been updated, although the plumbing had been. The toilet tanks were still made of wood, and have since been replaced. In the basement is a section from the steam pipe that runs through the entire downtown, an old-fashioned form of heating.
The gargoyle overlooking Dundas St. was added by the current owner. It was designed by Florin Musta, and acquired through Tony O’Callaghan of Studio Celtia, former business at 240 Dundas.
Other Businesses at 240 Dundas St.
1875 Abraham Spry, merchant tailor1876 - 1880 Various small businesses
1880 Vacant
1881–1886 Reid Brothers & Co., stationers
1887–1892 Empire Tea Company (Main Floor)
Somerset Hall (Second Floor – London Temperance League)
1892–1907 Anderson & Nelles Drug Store (Main Floor)
Somerset Hall (Second Floor – London Temperance League)
1892 First electricity
1893 First telephone
1907–1919 People’s Outfitting Company, furniture
1919–1927 Thomas Furniture Company, furniture
1927 Gray’s Music, subsidiary of Eaton’s
1930–1965 McPhillips Company, pianos, radios, appliances
1965–1995 Robert Holmes Stationary, stationary and books
1996 – Present Attic Books, rare and fine used books