The Story Behind Romany: Our Journey in Contemporary Art Books

It all began not in a grand gallery, but in the quiet corners of London’s art book fairs, where we felt a gap between the art we loved and the books that represented it. We were passionate collectors, but too often left empty-handed, frustrated by a market that felt inaccessible, impersonal, or simply missing the critical conversation. That feeling sparked a mission. This is the story of how Romany evolved from a simple idea into a dedicated publisher and shop for contemporary art and photography books, rooted in the heart of London’s creative scene.

The Spark: Why We Started Romany

Our founding in 2018 was a direct response to a shared frustration. We believed the contemporary art books market was failing its audience. Books were often treated as mere merchandise, sold through impersonal channels with little context. Prices felt opaque and prohibitive, and genuine, informed reviews were scarce. We saw incredible work from emerging artists and visionary independent publishers getting lost on crowded shelves, lacking the platform and narrative they deserved.

A Gap in the Market

The gap was clear: between the artist’s intent and the reader’s understanding, between a commodity and a curated object. We wanted to build a bridge. Our goal was never to stock every title, but to carefully select and champion books that mattered—those with a strong editorial voice, exceptional production, and something vital to say about the world of contemporary art and photography today.

From Idea to First Pop-Up

We moved quickly from concept to reality. In late 2018, we launched our first pop-up in a small space in Shoreditch, London. This vibrant, artist-rich neighbourhood was the perfect testing ground. It wasn’t just about selling books; it was about starting conversations. We hand-picked a tight collection, wrote our own notes on each title, and talked for hours with everyone who walked in. The immediate, positive response from artists, students, and seasoned collectors confirmed we weren’t alone in wanting something different.

Our Curatorial Philosophy: More Than Just a Shop

From that first pop-up, a distinct philosophy took shape. Romany is not a passive retailer; we are an active, opinionated participant in the publishing ecosystem. Our selection is a direct reflection of our team’s passions, expertise, and constant engagement with the art world. We see our role as guides, helping you navigate the vast landscape to find the most compelling and significant works.

Championing Emerging Voices

A core part of our mission is to platform new talent alongside established names. This means actively seeking out first publications by recent graduates and supporting the independent UK publishers who take risks on them. We have built particularly close relationships with pioneering houses like Mack Books and Loose Joints, whose dedication to artistic integrity mirrors our own. Alongside these, we carefully select key titles from major institutional publishers like Tate Publishing, ensuring a dialogue between the cutting-edge and the canonical.

The Importance of Physical Craft

In a digital age, we fiercely believe in the book as a tactile art object. Our curatorial process involves physically handling every single book we consider. We assess the weight of the paper, the fidelity of the colour reproduction, the binding, and the design integrity. A great contemporary art book is a coherent work of art in itself, where form and content are inseparable. This hands-on approach ensures that when you buy contemporary art books from us, you are investing in an object of enduring quality.

Building a Community, Not Just a Customer Base

We quickly learned that our value extended far beyond transactions. The most rewarding part of our journey has been fostering a real community of curious minds. We wanted to create spaces—both physical and digital—where people could connect over the books they love, discover new perspectives, and demystify the often-intimidating art world.

Events & The London Art Scene

Hosting events has been central to this. We run a regular monthly book club at The Photographers’ Gallery in London, where we delve deep into a single publication with a group of enthusiasts. We’ve also organised launch events, signings, and in-conversations with artists and publishers, embedding Romany within the fabric of the city’s cultural life. These gatherings transform solitary reading into a shared, dynamic experience.

Transparency in Pricing & Reviews

We are committed to transparency, especially when it comes to the often-asked question of contemporary art books price. We explain the factors behind pricing—limited print runs, specialised materials, licensing—to help you understand what you’re investing in. Furthermore, our contemporary art books reviews are written in-house. They are not generic synopses, but informed critiques that discuss the book’s artistic merit, production value, and place within a wider discourse, helping you make a truly informed choice.

The Romany Edit: How We Choose the Best Contemporary Art Books

So, what exactly makes it onto our shelves? Our selection, which we call The Romany Edit, is governed by a strict, three-pillar criteria. This rigorous filter is how we define the best contemporary art books for our community.

The Three Pillars of Our Selection

Every book we stock must demonstrate strength across three key areas:

• Editorial Rigour: Does the book have a clear, compelling point of view? Is the text (if present) insightful and well-researched? We avoid books that function merely as image catalogues.
• Photographic & Print Quality: This is non-negotiable. Colour calibration, print sharpness, and paper stock must honour the original artwork. Poor reproduction is an immediate disqualifier.
• Design Integrity: The book’s design—its sequencing, typography, and format—must serve and enhance the content, creating a cohesive narrative from cover to cover.

Spotlight on Award-Winning Works

This methodology naturally leads us to publications that gain critical acclaim. We regularly feature books by Turner Prize nominees and winners, as their published works often become essential documents of contemporary British art. Similarly, we track and stock titles shortlisted for prestigious awards like the Kraszna-Krausz Photography Book Awards, using such accolades as a benchmark for excellence that aligns with our own standards.

Looking Forward: The Future of Art Publishing

As we look ahead, our focus is on contributing positively to the ecosystem we cherish. The future of art publishing faces challenges, from environmental impact to digital saturation, but we see immense opportunity for innovation and deeper connection.

Sustainability in Publishing

We are actively engaging with our publisher partners on sustainable practices. This includes favouring printers who use eco-friendly inks and papers, supporting local production where possible, and promoting a culture of ‘buying well and buying once’—choosing durable, meaningful publications over disposable volumes. Our collaborations with UK art schools like the Royal College of Art also involve discussions about responsible production from the very start of an artist’s publishing journey.

The Digital Complement

While we champion the physical object, we see digital not as a rival, but as a vital complement. Our online presence allows us to share our curated Edit globally, supported by our detailed reviews and editorial content. We use digital tools to tell the stories behind the books, interview creators, and bring our London-based community to an international audience. The specialist bookshop’s role in the digital age is to be a trusted filter and a hub for context—a need that grows ever more pressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you decide on your book prices?

Our prices are set by the publishers, but we always aim for transparency. The cost of a contemporary art book reflects factors like limited print runs, high-quality specialised paper, bespoke binding techniques, and image licensing fees. We explain these details to help you understand the value and craft behind each publication.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we do. We ship our curated selection of contemporary art and photography books worldwide from our London base. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your location and the weight of your order, and we use secure, tracked delivery services.

Can you recommend books for a new collector?

Absolutely. This is a core part of our service. Tell us about the artists, themes, or existing books you enjoy, and we will provide a personalised selection of recommendations. Attending our book club events at The Photographers’ Gallery is also a fantastic way to discover new artists and titles in a friendly, discussion-led setting.

Do you work with emerging artists on publishing projects?

Yes, through our publishing arm. We are particularly interested in collaborating with artists who have a strong narrative or conceptual project suited to the book format. Our process is highly collaborative, focusing on editorial development and production quality. We encourage graduates from institutions like the Royal College of Art to reach out with proposals.

How often is your inventory updated?

We update our inventory continuously as new titles are released by publishers like Mack, Loose Joints, and Tate. We typically receive new shipments weekly. The best way to stay informed is to sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social media, where we announce all new arrivals and limited editions.

Ultimately, our story is an ongoing invitation to explore, question, and build your own collection with books that have been chosen with genuine passion and expertise. From our beginnings in Shoreditch to our place in the wider London art scene, every step has been about closing that gap we first felt—connecting extraordinary art with the curious reader, one exceptional book at a time.