Firsts London and Senate House Library

We are thrilled to announce Senate House Library as the official Charity Partner for Firsts London 2026—a collaboration that perfectly bridges the gap between the rare book trade and the archives of history. Renowned for its collections charting moments of social and political transformation, Senate House Library will be curating a stand at Firsts that showcases the breadth of their archive, from Suffragettes to subcultures.

Catriona Cannon, Librarian and Programme Director for the Library Transformation Programme, said:

“Senate House Library has a huge archive of materials relating to the theme of revolution in all its forms – from Civil War to the Suffragettes. Our Heisler collection, Cartonera collection and acquisitions such as wartime bulletins by working class Londoners all demonstrate the depth of the library archive, much of it accessible both in person and online.

“Our partnership with Firsts London reflects a shared commitment to exploring how books and manuscripts shape, record, and transmit ideas that change the world. By connecting Senate House Library’s academic community with the international rare book trade, we aim to broaden access to primary sources, deepen historical understanding, and highlight the enduring relevance of printed works as agents of intellectual and cultural revolution.”