Ex Libris: Bookplates from the Collections
Through September 15
Since the 15th century, Bookplates have been printed on paper and tooled into leather; they have been produced from woodcuts, steel or copper engravings, lithographs, photoengraving, and more recently using computers; they have been designed to grace the books of the famous and not-so-famous, and many distinguished artists and designers have tried their hand at creating these small works of art. Renowned designers represented in the current exhibition include Rockwell Kent, Claude Bragdon, Harvey Ellis and Bruce Rogers. Also shown are bookplates created for Greta Garbo, Harry Houdini, Benito Mussolini, Eleanor Roosevelt and other well-known book owners.
Collecting bookplates began in the late nineteenth century and is still a popular pastime. The University of Rochester Library is the beneficiary of the avid collecting of three bookplate enthusiasts: Louis J. Bailey (class of 1905), Donald Bean Gilchrist (University Librarian, 1919-1939), and Maude Motley. The exhibition is a sampling of the thousands of plates found in these rich collections.
The exhibition is open to the public.
*Summer Hours: Due to major library construction, exhibitions may be open by appointment only; please contact library at (585) 275-4477.