In 1995 Vicky and Bill Stewart (1945 - 2019), a corporate VP and a lapsed high school English teacher, opened Vamp & Tramp in Birmingham's historic Pepper Place, selling 20th-century literary and mystery first editions — and they didn’t know that artists’ book existed. Through wondrous serendipity, they stumbled onto Ron King’s Circle Press edition of Antony and Cleopatra, and into the world of contemporary fine press and artists’ books.

 

Vicky and Bill spent almost twenty years on the road visiting libraries, museums, and other institutions, educating and connecting book artists and acquisitions; and placing artwork with special collections across the globe. ​ Currently the bookshop is tucked away in Hoover, and most sales are done online, through Zoom presentations with classes, librarians, and collectors.