About Us

Ultimate Library was founded in 2008 by Philip Blackwell, former CEO of Blackwell’s bookshops, inspired by his love of travel and the power books have to bring a destination to life. The company’s London-based team of literary experts curate intelligent and stylish book collections for commercial and residential spaces in over 50 countries, each carefully tailored to the client’s interests and character, and the property’s location and design aesthetic. Their highly bespoke service covers everything from design concept and library curation to installation and book refreshment. Ultimate Library believes that books, whether in a library or expertly stacked on a coffee table add warmth, texture and soul to any project. “That’s what people pick up on when they’re presented with a curated book collection – it adds something unique, creative, and often playful. We are the book experts, so you don’t have to be. We call this intelligent luxury” – Philip Blackwell

What services do you provide?

Expertly curated bespoke book collections and libraries

How would you describe your style?

"Through our extensive experience working with designers, developers and private clients, we understand what it means to embolden interiors with intelligent and inspiring books. Working to any content or design brief, our curators can source hard-to-find luxury illustrated books individually and hardcover reading books by the metre according to the subject matter, colour or binding, with flexible options. Whether you’re looking for an authentic vintage leather library or a contemporary reading collection, we’ll work alongside our trusted network of suppliers to complete your project with the perfect book look."

Please describe a recently completed project or tell us about the bespoke service that you offer

"There is no project too big or too small. Ultimate Library has curated books for a single shelf all the way up to a 4000-book library. The team have decades of international experience working to specific FF&E budgets and tight deadlines and have a deep knowledge of books on the market to suit every reading interest. Recently, a Kensington townhouse designed by Emilia Laurie required a library that felt like it had been built over many years. Ultimate Library sourced vintage cloth titles with gilded spines for the higher shelves, contemporary hardbacks highlighting the client’s love of travel, history, and philosophy for the mid shelves, and illustrated titles on the lower shelves that explore London’s fashion and design scenes."

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