Sokol Books, SW3
This charming, dolls-house like antiquarian bookshop has hosted a variety of tenants over the last century:
In the Edwardian era, the premises operated as a high-society dress agency. Around 1909 and 1910, it was occupied by a "Miss Malcolm," who specialized in selling gently worn, high-end garments and "smart gowns" cast off or sent in by ladies from the highest tiers of London society.
In 2001, the shop transitioned into the antiquarian book trade when it was purchased by rare book and map dealer Charles Russell. He ran his business out of the location for over a decade before relocating to Cirencester.
The shop was then taken over by Christopher Sokol, who opened the current bookshop here in 2014. Prior to this, Sokol had operated as a private dealer for thirty years without a public storefront.
Today, the building serves as a prominent landmark on the Chelsea rare books trail, instantly recognisable by its vivid, colorful facade and windows filled with centuries-old vellum, medieval manuscripts, and early printed texts.
Sokol Books, SW3
This charming, dolls-house like antiquarian bookshop has hosted a variety of tenants over the last century:
In the Edwardian era, the premises operated as a high-society dress agency. Around 1909 and 1910, it was occupied by a "Miss Malcolm," who specialized in selling gently worn, high-end garments and "smart gowns" cast off or sent in by ladies from the highest tiers of London society.
In 2001, the shop transitioned into the antiquarian book trade when it was purchased by rare book and map dealer Charles Russell. He ran his business out of the location for over a decade before relocating to Cirencester.
The shop was then taken over by Christopher Sokol, who opened the current bookshop here in 2014. Prior to this, Sokol had operated as a private dealer for thirty years without a public storefront.
Today, the building serves as a prominent landmark on the Chelsea rare books trail, instantly recognisable by its vivid, colorful facade and windows filled with centuries-old vellum, medieval manuscripts, and early printed texts.