Meet the Team

Christiaan began collecting books as a schoolboy. He developed an interest in the first editions of modern literature and whilst reading Mathematics at Oxford began to help others create their own collection, thus inadvertently founding Jonkers Rare Books. Christiaan is married to Sam and they live with their two daughters in Henley on Thames. He is a keen cricketer, plays for the V&A Cricket Club and has a penchant for the writings of John Arlott.

Sam Jonkers read Modern Languages and Politics at Sheffield. After a few years working in the Tourism industry she joined the family firm of booksellers, Bromlea Books. Sam quickly developed an interest in the field of Children's and Illustrated books and has her own collection of A&C Black colour books. Sam curates our children's and illustrated book sections, with a particular interested in the world of the early 20th century, and a soft spot for Paddington. In her spare time she is an athletics official and a volunteer with a refugee charity.

Elizabeth joined Jonkers Rare Books in 2000. With a degree in English and Librarianship she quickly became invaluable at the front of house. Elizabeth is also our photographer, though she is happier behind the camera than in front of it. She has a love of illustrated books, gardening and theatre.

Jess joined Jonkers in 2022 as cataloguer. With a background in classics, ancient history and archaeology, she is enjoying cataloguing our earlier printed books. Jess collects E.H. Shepard and A.A. Milne, as well as antiquarian Italian guidebooks. Jess also runs our instagram feed.