Jim Spencer
Director
Rare Book Auctions
Jim graduated from the University of Birmingham, Edgbaston with a degree in English Literature, English Language, and Art. He worked as a bookseller at Waterstones before starting his own business dealing in books & prints at Digbeth’s Custard Factory with brother Matty. They had a particular interest in satirical caricatures, and so it’s surreal and thrilling for them to see their brother Chris, aka Cold War Steve, being celebrated as the Hogarth or Gillray of our age. In 2017, Jim pitched the idea of a specialist Library Auction to Hansons Auctioneers & Valuers Ltd. He quickly established the leading book department of the Midlands and was appointed Associate Director in 2019.
Jim enjoys sharing his passion and enthusiasm for books by giving talks and hosting valuation events across the UK. He’s made numerous headlines with his exciting finds and, in a Christmas Day article in 2020, was described by the BBC as “a magnet for rare Harry Potter books”.
The historic city of Lichfield – with its strong literary heritage and transport links – was seen as the perfect location for an auction house dedicated to his specialist library sales, and so, in April 2024, Rare Book Auctions was born.
Contact Jim Spencer