Antiquariaat "Secundus"

Algemene informatie

It was the former president of the Nederlandsche Vereeniging van Antiquaren (NVvA) Menno Hertzberger who conceived the idea of forming an international organisation of antiquarian booksellers with the aim of establishing international peace through cultural exchange and open markets. A Preliminary Conference was held in 1947 in Amsterdam with representatives from Denmark, France, Great-Britain, Sweden and The Netherlands, before the League was officially founded in 1948.

The NVvA itself was established in 1935 with the object of promoting reliability in the trade of old books and prints. Nowadays it counts over 50 members, president is Gert Jan Bestebroertje.

The connections between the Dutch rare book dealers and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers have been strong from the beginning:

1947 – Preliminary meeting in Amsterdam, the idea of ILAB was born

1960 – 13th ILAB Congress in Scheveningen

1965 – The First International Antiquarian Book Fair, organized by the League, took place in Amsterdam

1968 – Bibliophiles and booksellers, again joined in Amsterdam for the 3rd International Antiquarian Book Fair

1975 – The NVVA welcomed the ILAB affiliates to the 23rd ILAB Congress and 6th International Antiquarian Book Fair

1978-1981 – Bob de Graaf was ILAB President, now ILAB President of Honour

1982 – The Presidents of the ILAB members met in Amsterdam for their annual meeting

1991-1996 – Anton Gerits was ILAB President, later he was elected ILAB Member of Honour

1994 – The 32nd ILAB Congress and the 15th International Antiquarian Book Fair were much appreciated by visitors from all over the world

As part of the international network of antiquarian booksellers the NVvA members constitute the best contacts for collectors of old books and prints. From the very start applicants had to comply with stringent regulations, the purpose of which is to give customers guarantees of quality. According the ILAB code of ethics the NVvA dealers guarantee the authenticity and completeness of their offers, with the right to return any goods for defects not mentioned and total repayment.

Dutch booksellers represent would-be purchasers at auctions where, through their expertise and relations, they can avoid difficulties and frustration which a private purchaser may encounter. Furthermore, they are of assistance in tracing books or prints considered difficult to find. Some have a special search services, by means of which the customer gains access to stocks spread all over the world.

For over 30 years now the Nederlandsche Vereeniging van Antiquaren (NVvA) has been organizing an annual book fair in Amsterdam, well known both to foreign exhibitors and customers.

President

Gert Jan Bestebreurtje

Committee

Bart de Roo (Antiquariaat De Roo) – Treasurer
Peter Everaers (Antiquariaat Secundus) – Secretary
Laurens Hesselink (Antiquariaat Forum) – Member
Leo Smiet – Member