Business Details
31 Years
experience
Rare and Out-of-Print Books on Architecture & Design in York
Established in 1995, Janette Ray Rare and Out of Print Books specialises in sourcing and selling rare, out-of-print books on architecture, design, landscape, photography, and fine art, primarily published between 1800 and 1950. Our shop in York, located just five minutes from York Minster, showcases a meticulously curated collection of original drawings, photographs, and antiquarian volumes, reflecting decades of expertise in niche subject areas. The business, founded by Janette Ray, occupies a renovated medieval timber-framed building at 8 Bootham, restored with the help of local craftsmen to create a unique space celebrating design heritage.We are members of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association, York Booksellers, and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers, underscoring our commitment to quality and professionalism. Our services extend beyond retail, including appraisals, specialist consultations, and participation in international rare book fairs such as the Chelsea Rare Book Fair. With over 25 years of experience, we combine deep industry knowledge with a passion for preserving cultural and artistic legacies through rare printed materials.
Services
Rare Books
Original Drawings
Photography Books
Antiquarian Volumes
Periodicals
Prints and Drawings
Garden History
Design Archives
Town Planning
Fine Art Monographs
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of expertise in rare books on architecture and design.
- Our collection spans 18001950, focusing on specialist subjects like town planning and photography.
- We operate from a historic, renovated medieval building in central York.
- Our team holds memberships in leading international antiquarian bookseller associations.
- We provide tailored consultations and participate in major rare book fairs globally.
Associations and certifications
- Antiquarian Booksellers Association
- International League of Antiquarian Booksellers
Services
Rare Book Sales
We specialise in rare and out-of-print books covering architecture, design, photography, and fine art from 18001950. Our collection includes first editions, limited runs, and works with historical significance. Clients benefit from our deep expertise in verifying authenticity and provenance.
Original Drawings
Our inventory features original drawings and prints by notable artists, including wood engravings and 19th-century architectural illustrations. These items are sourced for their artistic merit and historical context, appealing to collectors and institutions.
Photography Books
We curate rare photography books, including monographs on pioneers like Marc Riboud and historical surveys. These publications document visual culture and technological advancements in photography from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Antiquarian Volumes
Our antiquarian stock includes scholarly works on garden history, town planning, and industrial design. These volumes are preserved for their academic value and connection to design movements such as the Gothic Revival.
Exhibition Catalogues
We offer signed and limited-edition exhibition catalogues, including works by Claes Oldenburg and design retrospectives. These items serve as critical resources for understanding 20th-century art and architecture.
People
Janette Ray
Founder
Established the business in 1995, leveraging expertise in architecture and design history. She transformed a medieval York building into a specialist rare bookshop, collaborating with local craftsmen for its restoration.
Questions
What specialist subjects do you stock?
We focus on architecture, landscape design, photography, fine art, town planning, and design history from 1800–1950.
Can I visit your shop outside regular hours?
Yes, we open by appointment. Contact us via phone or email to arrange a visit.
Do you sell original artwork?
Yes, we offer original drawings, photographs, and prints alongside rare books.
Are your books authenticated?
All items are carefully vetted. We provide detailed descriptions and provenance where available.
Do you attend book fairs?
Yes, we exhibit at events like the Chelsea Rare Book Fair and FIRSTS London.
