The V and A houses a public collection of prints and drawings of every kind imagineable from old master drawings to photographs, playing cards, fashion plates and wallpapers. You have to select what you want to see from the collection http://collections.vam.ac.uk/and book in advance. The behind-the-scenes route up to the study room of v and a is a treat alone (pictured)

A wonderful collection of printed material organised chronologically throughout the space. Examples of old newspapers and other printed material give context and meaning for the visual styles.

Quinto sells second-hand books. I spend a lot of time here and have found some inspiring books over the years, both at Quinto and the other shops on this road. Koenig Books on the corner is good for art books, too.

A station, a stop or two away from London sits a shop that is only open once or twice a year – its specialty are books but it also sells things.

Wood-floored shop with a museum-like vibe selling vintage men's fashions, footwear and accessories.