30 Years Gallery of Prints

We are the first and only Gallery in the Philippines, specialising in Antique Prints and Books before 1900, with particular emphasis on the History of the Philippines, i.e. Filipiniana.

Since our establishment in 1995, or 30 years ago, we have grown and become internationally renowned as specialists of historical original printed material about the Philippines, dating back to the 16th Century.

We offer the connoisseur and collector of art and history of the Philippines and Southeast Asia an unsurpassed inventory of antique prints and maps covering six centuries, a volume and scope that compares favourably with any Gallery in Asia or on any other Continent for that matter.

Insulae Philippinae
hand coloured copper engraving by Petrus Kaerius
from “Caert Thresoor” (Miniature World Atlas)
published by Barent Langenes/Cornelis Claesz
2 vol. in 1, p. 605 Amsterdam, 1599 (1598)

Hahnenkampf in einer Strasse Manilas (Philippinen)

[Cockfight in Manila Street]

hand-coloured wood engraving

by Conrad Ermisch, 1898

In 1998, we published the first comprehensive compendium of antique prints on the Philippines with the book “The Philippines in the 19th Century”, and throughout the years, we added posters, postcards, reproductions, and other individual items intended to showcase the Philippines of the past to a broader audience. These local publications complement our huge range of antique maps, views, and prints on zoology, ornithology, ethnology, anthropology, geography, and other natural sciences.

In 2018, we hosted the IMCoS Symposium accompanied by an Exhibition of those antique maps and prints used by all lecturers in their presentations, and published the book “Insulae Indiae Orientalis” documenting the lectures and exhibition in the Ayala Museum, which – for the first time in more than 100 years – showed 3 original large Murillo de Velarde 1734 maps with the vignettes together with all later editions, among many other rarities.

In 2021, we added modern hand-crafted Globes by COLUMBUS to our product line-up due to the demand for globes which are generally not available.

As with many other international galleries, we also offer ancillary services such as acid free, museum-style conservation matting and framing, Picture Frame Hanging Systems and non-reflective glass and acrylic glazing, procured through our sister company Rudolf Lietz, Inc., a direct importer, affording us to sell to other galleries, contractors, interior decorators or DIY individuals as well.

As with many other international galleries, we also offer ancillary services such as acid-free, museum-style conservation matting and framing, Picture Frame Hanging Systems, and non-reflective glass and acrylic glazing, procured through our sister company Rudolf Lietz, Inc., a direct importer, affording us to sell to other galleries, contractors, interior decorators, or DIY individuals as well.

This year, we are proud to announce that the Gallery of Prints has been officially accepted as a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association (ABA), the first and only such member in the Philippines, and amongst a few in Southeast Asia.

Founded in 1906, the ABA is the foremost authority in the UK and Ireland for reputable antiquarian booksellers. It is affiliated with the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) and is recognised globally for its rigorous ethical standards, scholarly integrity, and dedication to preserving printed heritage.

As a member of this distinguished community, the Gallery of Prints now stands alongside dealers committed to preserving Cultural Heritage and specialising in rare books and fine prints. We protect and celebrate historical literature and craftsmanship. Upholding Scholarly and Ethical Standards, in accordance with the ABA’s strict code, we guarantee authenticity, honesty, and professionalism in every transaction. Participating in a Global Network, connecting with fellow antiquarian booksellers, collectors, and institutions across ILAB-affiliated national associations.

Our membership affirms our alignment with international standards in antiquarian bookselling and reinforces our dedication to preserving both artistic and literary heritage in the Philippines and the region.

We deeply thank our community, patrons, and partners for making this possible, and we look forward to representing Southeast Asia’s voice in the global conversation on books, print culture, and the retailing of antiques. We encourage visitors of all ages, especially young people interested in the historical context of international artists and their views of the Philippines, to internalise how it feels to be inside A MUSEUM WHERE YOU CAN BUY what hangs on the walls and lies in vitrines and on racks…..