Firsts London announces theme for 2026: Revolution
Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair returns to the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea from 14 to 17 May 2026. In honour of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the document that shaped the course of the American Revolution, the theme for 2026 will be ‘Revolution’.
Around 100 international booksellers will be bringing highlights marking the 250th anniversary as well as other Revolutions – may they be political, cultural, social or scientific. From discoveries in science to civil wars, the great transformations of human history have been recorded in ink. The history of the book is inextricably linked to the revolutionary moments that shaped politics, travel, technology, and printing itself. The fair will be celebrating the legacy of foundational works on paper by showcasing the books, manuscripts, and ephemera that both recorded and actively created history.
Across three floors of London’s Saatchi Gallery, international rare book, print, and manuscript dealers will present a curated selection of material documenting revolutions of every kind.
Discover the foundational texts of political revolutions, from the powerful pamphlets that sparked civil unrest to the philosophical treaties that defined new forms of government; trace the evolution of knowledge through scientific revolutions, exploring first editions by thinkers who challenged long-held dogma; and examine revolutions in print itself — from Gutenberg’s printing press to the democratisation of knowledge through
advancements in typography, illustration, and binding that pushed the boundaries of the book as an artistic medium and communication tool.
Firsts London 2026 offers an unparalleled opportunity to encounter the rare documents that underpinned moments of upheaval, progress, and fundamental shifts in human understanding. Whether it’s a handwritten manifesto or a beautifully printed atlas, each item on display is a physical link to the profound power of revolutionary thought. Collectors and enthusiasts are invited to explore how the ideas captured in print became unstoppable forces that irrevocably altered the course of human civilisation.
The fair’s Charity partner for 2026 is the Senate House Library and Catriona Cannon, Librarian and Programme Director for the Library Transformation Programme, said: “Senate House Library has a huge archive of materials relating to the theme of revolution in all its forms – from Civil War to the Suffragettes. Our Heisler Archive, Cartonera collection and acquisitions such as wartime bulletins by working class Londoners all demonstrate the depth of the library archive, much of it accessible both in person and online.
“Our partnership with Firsts London reflects a shared commitment to exploring how books and manuscripts shape, record, and transmit ideas that change the world. By connecting Senate House Library’s academic community with the international rare book trade, we aim to broaden access to primary sources, deepen historical understanding, and highlight the enduring relevance of printed works as agents of intellectual
and cultural revolution.” All images are courtesy of the Senate House Library.
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