21st Century Collecting

A talk for members of the Private Libraries Association and anyone else interested in books and book collecting


Spencer W Stuart shares the low-down on what is happening in the book-collecting world in an online talk at 6pm (BST) on Tuesday 12th May 2026

Spencer W Stuart

   More than a quarter of the way into the Century, traditional models of developing collections, both Privately and Institutionally, are no longer common practice.

   But what are the implications for these structural changes for emerging collectors and for those in the process of Estate planning? Join Collections Advisor, Spencer W Stuart, as he outlines these transformations and how to navigate them as a Collector. Using case-studies from his professional practice, Spencer will demonstrate generational changes in the outlook and intent around building collections of rare books and ephemera.

   The talk will be held by Zoom video-conference on Tuesday 12th May 2026, at 6:00 p.m. BST. The talk is free and open to all (members and non-members).

   Please get in touch for the Zoom link HERE


Follow up meeting:


In addition to Spencer Stuart’s online talk on 12th May, there will be an in-person follow up at the bookshop of Bryars & Bryars (7 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ) at 6pm (BST) on Wednesday 27th May. Numbers are limited for the bookshop event, so please book a place by contacting the PLA HERE

   Members are invited to arrive in good time, to allow them a chance to examine the stock at Bryars & Bryars (the books and maps there are mostly not listed on internet search-sites). 

Sounds interesting?

Contact us for more information HERE

Spencer Stuart: update

By Richard Martin • June 20, 2026
Spencer Stuart: an update Members will remember that in early May 2026, Spencer Stuart spoke to us on Zoom about the book-related services he offers, and later in May there was a follow-up in-person meeting at Bryars & Bryars (in Cecil Court, London) by kind invitation of Tim Bryars. Spencer sums up his approach: "From examining the technological and economic changes to the book trade and auction arena, and comparing with the current experience for collectors actively building their libraries, I can demonstrate that the passion for collecting is alive and well, but (more than a quarter of the way into the Century) traditional models for developing collections, both privately and institutionally, are no longer common practice. These changes have impacted emerging collectors concerning how they set out and define their collecting focus, as well as mature collectors looking to plan the future of their existing collections. In my writings, I explore many topics that are current in the Wold of Collecting, and I invite you to stay in touch with current developments, and contact me directly with any inquiries about how I might help you with any aspects of your collection. I give you a link below to my current book, and at the foot of that page you will find my contact details." Link to order Spencer's book: https://spencerwstuart.ca/book/ Bryar & Bryar's Bookshop in Cecil Court where Spencer Stuart's talk took place

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