Printed ex-libris became common in France in the early 17th century. Until then, the more luxurious custom of blind- or gold-stamping a book's binding with a personal device had been more widespread: the supralibros. From the middle of the century, however, the ex-libris proper became quite popular; examples of that period are numerous and exhibit a complex design sensibility. The term "ex-libris", used as a noun ( Exlibris (written in one word) in German) originated in France. [14] England [ edit ] Bookplates are especially useful when paired with virtual events. You can offer to send signed bookplates to a bookstore in advance of an event, ensuring that each attendee has access to a signed copy. Bookplate collecting became popular roughly at the same time as bookplates themselves in the 19th century, and meant that bookplates could be classified. According to the King’s College Archive Centre, “…most collections were built through the exchange of duplicate pieces. Often, collectors would have several personal designs just for the purpose of trading with others.” Bookplates designed during specific time periods generally reflect the popular trends, such as ornate family crests during the Jacobean period. Bookplates created in Europe and North America between 1500 and 1800 are classified as: English, Jacobean, Chippendale, or Ribbon & Wreath. The King’s College Archive Centre notes that “From the Jacobean period (1567–1625) to the Edwardian era these printed bookplates evolved into elegant engravings…The ex-libris often incorporate a name, motto and coat-of-arms which relate to the book’s owner. Famous artists such as William Hogarth and members of the Bloomsbury group all designed bookplates for themselves and others.”

You can also use bookplates as a dedication for an achievement or event. For example, commemorative bookplates are great rewards for students but can also be used to remember loved ones. Are signed bookplates valuable? A signed bookplate (signed by the author), is quite desirable but will add a little less to the value of the book than if the author had signed directly on the book. Does the location of a bookplate matter? In 1901–1903, the British Museum published the catalog of the 35,000 bookplates collected by Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks (1826–97). Many rare book and special collections libraries have large collections of bookplates, ranging vastly in time period, style, and significance. Some of the bookplate collections are extremely broad, while others are quite narrowly focused. We already mentioned the King’s College Cambridge Archive Centre above, which houses a large collection of bookplates that span centuries. You can even explore their online exhibition, “Bookplates in the Archives.” The Library of Congress has a Russian Bookplate Collection that contains a total of 130 bookplates created by Soviet artists from 1970 to 1987. The Pratt Institute Libraries also houses an Ex-Libris Bookplate Collection. These are just a handful of examples to get you started.

Bookplate collecting

Anne Fine thought some of you might like to focus on the winning books over that time: she says "you might spot them in libraries and bookshops, maybe? take a peep? After all, each was considered the very best book of its year. Some seem to have all but vanished. But many are now classics which you'll have read, or seen on bookshelves, or on film. Historically, bookplates have been drawn by hand, embossed on cards, or stamped with wood-carved designs. However, nowadays it’s much easier to make bookplates with design software and a printer. Since the 1950s, there has been a renewed interest in the collection of bookplates and in many ways a reorientation of this interest. There are still substantial numbers of collectors for whom the study of bookplates spanning 500 years is a fascinating source of historical, artistic and socio-cultural interest. They have however been joined by a now dominant group of new collectors whose interest is more than anything the constitution—at quite reasonable cost—of a miniature, personalized art-print collection. In this miniature art museum, they gather together the works of their favorite artists. They commission numbered and signed editions of bookplates to their name which are never pasted into books but only serve for exchange purposes. Bookplates are of interest to collectors either as specimens of bygone decorative fashion or as personal relics of well-known people, and can command high prices. However the value attached to book plates, otherwise than as an object of purely personal interest, is comparatively modern. [20]

Some bookplates were issued by institutions, often religious ones, which awarded books to individuals to recognise achievements such as academic performance and good behaviour. These would be inscribed with the name of the individual by hand. Such plates could be very elaborate, or very simple in their design, reflecting the character of the awarding institution. [19]Additionally, bookplates can be used as an exclusive perk for a giveaway. A bookplate giveaway can be held in conjunction with a virtual event or on social media, just for fun! Get Creative!

The family business was making ship’s biscuit and other dry provisions for the Royal Navy. They were also shipowners whose vessels carried convicts to Australia and engaged in South Sea whaling.[4] A Disappearing Art: Bookplates and Hong Kong". Hong Kong Baptist University Library. Hong Kong Baptist University. A database of 897 bookplate images. Although this personalization seems a tad much to our modern sensibilities, consider that it was more expensive to make books 500 years ago, so it makes sense for owners to go the extra mile and claim ownership. It all began with the invention of the Gutenberg press in the 15th century CE, which revolutionized the book-making process. Before then, all books were painstakingly crafted by hand and contained stunning calligraphy and illustrations. During the Middle Ages and early modern period, books were expensive and rare. Therefore, it made sense for book owners to mark their books to prevent theft and ensure that the books were returned if borrowed, a trend that gained traction as the Gutenberg press allowed book collectors to grow their libraries. A Brief History Of Bookplates Until the 19th century, the devising of bookplates was generally left to the routine skill of the heraldic-stationery salesman. Near the turn of the 20th century, the composition of personal book tokens became recognized as a minor branch of a higher art, and there has come into fashion an entirely new class of designs which, for all their wonderful variety, bear as unmistakable a character as that of the most definite styles of bygone days. Broadly speaking, it may be said that the purely heraldic element tends to become subsidiary and the allegorical or symbolic to assert itself more strongly. [21] When asked how he got written responses, Mr. Jaffe said he would “tell them that I’m a collector and if you use a bookplate, I’d really appreciate…to add [it] to my collection, but if you don’t, I’m enclosing a book that you’d find interesting.”

CHAPTER I

The Chekov book itself, published by Three Swans Press, is illustrated with wonderful woodcuts by Howard Simon.) Author-signed bookplates Condition is everything to collectors, who will much prefer a book without a bookplate, unless the bookplate is of some significance (see below). So, unless you’re famous, it’s best not to use a bookplate. Bookplates & Book Values Fletcher, Joann. Egypt's Sun King – Amenhotep III. London: Duncan Baird Publishers. ISBN 1-900131-09-9 (2000), p.131 In other words, bookplates are works of art that reflect the personal style, preference, and/or philosophy of the owner. According to Collector’s Weekly, “Beyond Europe’s ubiquitous crests and coats of arms, other popular themes included ancient castles, ships sailing on the ocean, magnificent trees and landscapes, classical nudes, animals (especially cats), starry night skies, and, unsurprisingly, books.” These common themes were actually helpful because many personalized bookplates employed period-specific styles and/or trends, which can sometimes help in dating them and thus making connections to historical figures. At this point, you may be wondering, how can bookplates become a part of my publicity plan? When do I use them and who should I send them to?