Copyright of any image belongs to the Artist
All rights reserved.
ABOUT BOOKPLATES
"A bookplate is to a book as a collar is to a dog"
The oldest forerunner of our exlibris is though to be a light blue faience tablet from the library of
Amenophis III, dating back to about 1400 BC. This kind of tablet was laid in the wooden boxes used to
store papyrus scrolls. Exlibris as we know it today, however, was first created in the last third of
the 15th century in Germany. With the invention of the printing press books lost their unique
character and became more readily available to a much wider and less privileged public. It became
necessary to provide them with some kind of identity to protect them from confusion of ownership and encourage their safe return. The owners' pride of possession was reflected in the artistically designed subjects that were commissioned. The origins of the printed exlibris bookplate can be attributed to these factors.
Many famous artists have been persuaded to produce bookplates. Durer, Holbein the Younger and
Hollar are associated with the early beginnings of exlibris. Designs and content have varied greatly
with coats of arms - including the owner's name and motto - remaining popular well into the 19th
century.
Today's designs and media are widely varied and remain of great interest of collectors, who consider that these small graphics are indeed works of art in their own right. Most enthusiasts are members of bookplate societies* which exist throughout the world, and there are many international conferences and exhibitions organised to satisfy those who wish to display their work, or exchange or purchase examples from their collections. Some commission plates which are seldom used for their original purpose, but as currency to acquire others.
Copperplate and wood block engravings are very popular internationally but there are many other bases and methods used in the production of bookplates, including computer generated imagery.
The copperplate engraved image is favoured because of the extremely fine detail that can be attained. In addition, it is probably the most durable of all the bases as a great number of prints can be produced before the work becomes too worn and weak. If the surface of the plate is electro-plated with a steel coating, the number obtainable can be increased to several thousands. Plating is advisable when large numbers of prints are produced by die-stamping (a semi-automated process ideal for producing prints on thin, ready gummed paper, much appreciated by enthusiasts).
The Bookplate Society welcomes enquiries relating to membership etc.
Mr. Bryan Welch, 11 Nella Road, London W6 9PB
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