Earlier this year on 27 April, I had the amazing experience of appearing live on TV with Michael Portillo, discussing Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It was a real milestone—one I never imagined reaching when I first set out on my own.
This year marks four years since I left the dealer I’d been working for and started Bayliss Rare Books. I had no guarantees, just a strong instinct that I wanted to build something of my own—something thoughtful, personal, and different from other dealers Since then, it’s grown into something far beyond what I hoped for.
Being on live TV was a personal challenge too. I was pretty shy growing up, and stepping into the public eye never came naturally. But rare books have pushed me out of my comfort zone in all the best ways. Talking about Dracula—a book that has shaped so much of modern gothic storytelling—felt like a perfect full-circle moment. I excelled and loved doing it!
While much of London was out running the marathon that day, I was running my own kind of race. And I couldn’t be prouder of how far this journey has come.
Here’s to four years of Bayliss Rare Books—and everything that’s still to come. If you would like me on your TV show, do get in touch!
— Oliver Bayliss
🎥 Watch the interview here:
Sunday with Michael Portillo – GB News
(I appear at 37:00 mins in)
