The History Behind Wiggins Fine Books
Wiggins Fine Books began as a result of my curiosity about the books and maps encountered in the course of researching my Wiggins family roots that go back to the 1640’s in Jamaica, Long Island.
As a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America I am committed to upholding the highest ethics in the trade. I hold membership in the Southern New England Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association and am its immediate past President. Bookselling as my business was born out of filling in for the owner at a local bookshop. But, when I attended my first New England Book Auction, I truly developed a taste for rare books and antique printed materials. The wonderful community of people involved further sparked my enthusiasm. After attending just a few auctions, I was hooked. I started exhibiting at book fairs and selling books online. I quickly realized that the book fairs were the most exciting. I began displaying at small regional book faIrs about ten years ago and have more recently taken on the challenge of shows in Boston and New York City. As a strong proponent of encouraging the next generation of booksellers and curators, in 2015 I co-founded the Northampton Book and Book Arts Fair held annually for its first four years at the Smith College Campus Center in Northampton, Massachusetts. This past year’s fair was promoted by my colleague Mark Brumberg. The next fair will be held at the Smith Vocational School in November 2023 in Northampton. The fair attracts printers, booksellers, paper makers, print dealers and artist book designers from the Northeast. Wiggins Fine Books is located in the charming village of Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, just steps from galleries, restaurants and the world famous Bridge of Flowers. Visitors are welcome by appointment.
Meet Duane
It’s All About the People
There’s nothing like the face to face contact with young collectors, rare book curators, dealers, and people just walking in off the street to explore a book show.
I enjoy the “people” parts of my business the most; meeting other collectors and enthusiasts, sharing finds, and introducing newcomers to all that the world of antique print has to offer. Whether I’m catching up with old customers or making new friends, every book show is an opportunity for building and strengthening the rare book community.
The Southern New England Antiquarian Book and Ephemera Fair
Live book shows are back! After seeing the enthusiasm and excitement evident in the few live shows that have taken place post-pandemic, my colleague Richard Mori and I recently launched a new show, the SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND ANTIQUARIAN BOOK AND EPHEMERA FAIR that took place on September 23 and 24 on the UMass campus in Amherst. The show name dovetails nicely with Richard’s Northern New England show, taking place in Concord, New Hampshire the first weekend in June this year. Look for announcements for future shows in this space
We have selected a venue that offers a strategic location in central New England offering easy access to Albany, Hartford, Worcester, Springfield, New York City and Boston, excellent logistical advantages, and an array of dining and accommodation amenities under one roof.
The book and ephemera fair will take place in the Campus Center Auditorium on the flagship campus of The University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Those that attended a recent Southern New England Antiquarian Booksellers meeting held on campus know what we’re talking about. The Campus Center houses the campus store, Hotel UMass, numerous dining venues, along with the Auditorium and additional meeting rooms on the first floor. For load-in ease there is an attached parking garage with loading dock. The newly renovated Student Union is part of this complex that sits in the shadow of the WEB Dubois University Library.
My Shelburne Falls gallery, with its eclectic mix of collectible books, antique maps and prints, may contain your next treasure!
Let’s set up an appointment and find out!
(413) 320-3701
