Welcome to Arch Rare Books & Antique Prints

My own interest in collecting works on paper began in 2005. A visit to the Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair in 2005, with my grandmother, Pauline Willes, a passionate collector, was the experience that ignited my lifelong fascination with historical documents, art, scientific illustrations, military ephemera, and literature. My love of history made this a fantastic way to learn more about the history of events and how they were documented, whether through art, scientific drawings, military ephemera, or literature of the time. The thrill of holding a first edition of Shackleton's South, for instance, is the thrill of experiencing history firsthand, retracing the steps of those who first encountered his incredible story in 1919.

signatures or provenance, using terms like: "first edition," "antique print," "leather bound," "engraving," "illustrated," "vintage artwork," "signed copy," "collector's item," "provenance," "folio," "lithograph," "woodcut," "map," "atlas," "botanical print," "historical document," "Victorian era," "art nouveau," "early printing," "bibliophile," "fine binding," "ex-library," "foxing," "marginalia," "plate number,

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Established during the Victorian era, L&H Nathan became a supplier to the Royal Households, dressing members of the Royal Family and providing costumes for state occasions and performances

My family history has profoundly shaped my interests. From my great-grandfather, Vyse Millard, an infantry officer wounded at Ypres in 1915 who later earned a Distinguished Flying Cross with the Royal Flying Corps in North Africa, to my grandfather, Archie Nathan, who led the renowned costumiers L&H Nathans—suppliers to the Royal Family from the reign of Queen Victoria onwards, the Royal Households of Europe, and countless theatrical and film productions.

L&H Nathan's contributions extended beyond the stage. Following my grandfather's World War I service in North Africa, the company, under MI9's guidance, provided specialised clothing for SOE agents operating in occupied Europe during World War II. Some amazing historical keepsakes remain, including original letters from Charles Dickens, childhood drawings by Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and Princess Margaret, and theatre programmes for plays held at Osborne House during the reign of Queen Victoria, which are still held by the wider family.

The historical items showcased on this site, many from my own collection, reflect a deep personal interest in the past.

It was this interest that led to the creation of Arch Rare Books and Antique Prints (Arch Books) in 2020.

Guy, February 2025

Collection Specialists

Arch Books specialises in building collections. We offer tailored solutions and can source any book within seven days, whether it's the final piece of your collection or a complete set of twenty.

Rare Book Sourcing

Our website shows only a small portion of our total inventory, as we're always adding new stock. If you're looking for a book that isn't currently listed online, we can help!

We offer a book search service and can usually find the title you need within seven days.

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The Perfect Gift for Any Occasion: A Collectible First Edition

Celebrate a birthday, christening, or wedding with a truly unique and thoughtful gift: a collectible first edition book from Arch Books. We can help you find a book published in the year of their birth, or choose a title, author, or subject that reflects their interests.