On my recent trip to London, I didn't have much time to explore as I normally would since I was at the Free Range graduate design show most of the time. However, I did manage to fit in an afternoon of retail therapy (even if it was just window shopping). A hidden gem I discovered was a bookstore in Claridge's called Assouline. I had never heard of the brand before and was told that it is a French publisher that specialise in making hand-made books. They are the equivalent of a gorgeous designer dress in the book world. The quality of the publications is fantastic and some of them are huge! The store itself is chic with expensive-looking fittings and furniture, whilst incorporating old-fashioned features such as a sliding bookcase ladder.
The pricing varies greatly, with some of the smaller books costing as little as £30. The large, premium collection books can cost anywhere up to £550 but they are works of art in themselves and, in my opinion, worth every penny.
Here are some photographs I took of the interior and, of course, the super stylish Assouline books themselves.
Take a look at their website here.
