Collection: Old & Vintage Catalogues

Discover old and vintage catalogues, from auction house listings to specialist exhibition guides. If you're also interested in art and design, take a look at our Art, Architecture & Design collection, or use the search above to find a specific subject, auction house, or year.

More information

Old and vintage catalogues: a specialist corner of the shop

A catalogue was never meant to last. Printed for one auction, one exhibition, or one season's stock, most were thrown away once they'd done their job. The ones that survive offer a genuinely rare kind of record: exactly what was for sale, on display, or in print, at one specific moment.

This is a small, specialist corner of the shop. You'll find auction house catalogues from names like Sotheby's, exhibition catalogues from galleries and museums, and reference guides for collectors of coins, stamps, and other specialist fields.

Every listing describes the catalogue's condition individually. This is a small, specialist part of the collection, and genuinely old catalogues are hard to come by, so it's always worth checking back for something new.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of catalogues do you stock?

The range includes auction house catalogues, exhibition catalogues from galleries and museums, and specialist reference guides, such as for coins and stamps.

Are these catalogues rare?

Many are, simply because catalogues weren't made to be kept. Surviving copies, especially from a specific auction or exhibition, can be genuinely hard to find elsewhere.

Do you have exhibition catalogues?

Yes, we stock exhibition catalogues from galleries and museums when we can source them, though availability changes regularly as this is a small, specialist part of the collection.

How do you describe the condition of a catalogue?

We photograph each catalogue closely so you can see its condition before you buy. Wear varies depending on age and how it's been stored, and anything worth knowing is noted in the listing.

Can I find a catalogue from a specific auction, exhibition, or year?

Use the search bar above to look by subject, auction house, or year, and check back regularly as stock changes.

Do catalogues make good gifts?

Yes, particularly for a collector or specialist already interested in a specific auction house, exhibition, or subject.

What's the difference between a reference catalogue and an auction catalogue?

A reference catalogue, such as for coins or stamps, is a standing guide used for identification and valuation. An auction catalogue lists items for a specific sale and is tied to that one event.

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes, wherever you're ordering from, with free UK shipping on orders over £50.