Our History
The shop was established 1973 by renowned local Book Dealer and Botany and Horticulture specialist, Daniel Lloyd. It has been an important feature of the London book trade for over 40 years.
Since changing management in 2014, the shop still stocks an extensive range of general gardening, horticultural and botanical books in addition to a wide variety of other non-fiction and fiction titles.
The shop is the quintessence of the second hand bookshop – lined with floor to ceiling wooden bookshelves and with an original Victorian shop front.
A unique feature of the shop is the “Book tree” in the back room; a bookshelf made of pine, commissioned by previous owner Ulrike Bulle, and designed and constructed by Tim Vincent-Smith. The bookshelf now hosts a range of children’s books, including a selection of vintage books.
Lillies, Present-Day Gardening, 1912
About the Owner
Helen Edwards took over the running of Lloyds of Kew in April, 2014
How long have you worked in the book trade?
I have worked in the book trade for over eight years. Before running Lloyds of Kew I worked as an Assistant Book Seller for the well known independent Kew Bookshop (run by Isla Dawes and Mark Brighton), and for sister shop Barnes Bookshop, in Barnes.
How long have you lived in Kew?
For nearly 30 years, and don’t plan on leaving anytime soon. Kew is a lovely area. There is the river Thames, the beautiful Kew Gardens, the iconic National Archives Centre and an authentic village atmosphere, that makes you forget sometimes that you’re only 20 minutes from central London!
What came before the books?
My background is in art and textile design – most notably working for Timney Fowler in the 80′s and Liberty’s in the 90′s. I hope to introduce a range of independent fine art cards to the shop.
Why did you take on the running of Lloyds of Kew?
When the opportunity arose to take on Lloyds of Kew selling second hand books I was delighted to be able to step in and keep this gem of a bookshop from the threat of closure. Although I fully support modern advancements in the book trade I don’t think this needs to mean the independent bookshops die out. I for one want to do everything in power to keep it alive and thriving.
What is your favourite book?
I will have to come back to you on this one!