In 1972 Westminster Synagogue Founder Members Leo and Philippa Bernard bought Chelsea Rare Books, a small antiquarian bookshop in the King’s Road, Chelsea, advertised for sale in The Times. The Bernards had no previous experience of bookselling, but Chelsea in the 1970s was a lively place. The stock they acquired with the shop included everything from field sports to embroidery, children’s books, art and modern first editions. In the basement they launched The Beaufort Gallery selling prints and paintings.

Over thirty years the shop became an essential part of the Chelsea scene welcoming customers from dustmen to royalty.  Now Philippa has written the story of the shop, A Bookshop in Chelsea, published by Unicorn Press.

Join Philippa on Thursday 9th November, at 6:30pm, as she discusses the shop, the customers who came in, and the books they bought.  During the evening she will be signing copies of her book, and invites you to share a glass of wine and to talk about books.