Tuesday, September 09, 2008

BLOGGING ABOUT BOOKPLATES




Betsy at My Five Men blogged on the most wonderful topic of bookplates today and she inspired me to search for some that really jumped out at me. Being an artist myself, and devotee to 19Th and early 20Th century illustration, I am drawn immediately to anything with a hint of Pre-Raphaelite or Symbolist movement influence so these two plates really grabbed my attention. Please check out Betsy's blog for more reading on this fascinating art form and some lovely images to inspire.

Background from Wiki...
A bookplate, also known as ex-librīs [Latin, "from the books of..."], is usually a small print or decorative label pasted into a book, often on the inside front cover, to indicate its owner. Simple typographical bookplates are termed 'booklabels'.

Bookplates typically bear a name, motto, device, coat-of-arms, crest, badge, or any motif that relates to the owner of the book, or is requested by him from the artist or designer. The name of the owner usually follows an inscription such as "from the books of . . . " or "from the library of . . . ", or in Latin, ex libris ....

In the United States, bookplates replaced book rhymes after the 19Th century.

9 comments:

Kelli said...

Rebecca, these bookplates are lovely! I've been meaning to use bookplates for our home library but had not yet settled on a design. I'll check out Betsy's blog for inspiration. I'd love to see some of your artwork too if your happy to share!!
~Kalianne

Kelli said...

Besty's finds are lovely. I'll definitely keep a look out for vintage bookplates. And isn't Nuggett adorable!

Tess Kincaid said...

Ooooh, I especially like this second one! Interesting bit from wiki, too.

Tess Kincaid said...

Rebecca, I've TAGGED you!! You are IT!! (but only if you would like to play) Come on over for the details. :)

Lavinia said...

A lovely couple of examples you have featured here, Rebecca. I love that name, "Augustus Peabody" So distinguished! I have a few different bookplates but most of them still sitting in their boxes...

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

I try to give all the readers in my book club a new bookplate each Christmas. I truly love them, and they always help a loaned book return home!! (smile)

Rebecca said...

Kalianne, I'm working on a blog of my artwork and hope to have something ready in October. I blogged a couple of months ago about some of my drawings and I'll look for that link to send your way.

Rebecca said...

Lavinia, I liked that name, too...Perfect, isn't it?

Willow, I'm really partial to the second on as well...

Pamela, that's a perfect gift idea and one to remember this Christmas.

Mmm said...

I love booklates like these which are lovely, btw.