This darling bookplate was created for my interior design books in our library at Fox Hall by the company, FELIX DOOLITTLE, noted for their extraordinary illustrated papers and gifts.
Because of social distancing, people are reading more, which made me contemplate this very topic! Why is it that occasionally, when someone borrows a book from you, it inadvertently, (wink-wink) never gets returned? I surmise you have experienced this, too, yes? Ahhh, that is why having a bookplate, which marks ownership, fastened inside your book (or on a kindle!) is to your advantage.
A bookplate is not only an attractive way to personalize your books, it is inestimable as a subtle reminder to return your borrowed book because it features your name or some reference to your ownership. Well, at least it will be a hopeful hint in that regard!
When Lady Carnarvon came from Highclere Castle, aka Downton Abbey, to visit me at Fox Hall, she was also the guest speaker at Hill Stead Museum’s for their immense fundraising event in Farmington. She brilliantly pre-signed her personal bookplates, so that they could easily be placed inside the books to be sold in advance of the event.
Bookplates originated in Germany in the 15th century. The first bookplates were printed to indicate ownership of a book. They were little works of art, pasted inside the cover of the book. Bookplates have also been referred to as ex libris, Latin meaning “from the books of”. They were often an indication of inherited prestige, adorned with the reference to nobles, who owned treasured books by featuring their coats of arms.
While present-day use is more for decorative purposes, they are still designed and collected by book lovers who continue to personalize their books in their private libraries.
Millennial Tip
Bookplates can be used in a myriad of other ways. They can be affixed to your journal or a notebook. I found that they make a meaningful gift for a baby shower (along with a few of my favorite children’s books), for young readers, teachers, and book lovers of all ages.
When you loan a book to someone, it is a prudent idea to mention when you would like the book back...a week, a month, before you leave for a trip or whatever. By doing so, it is easier to ask for it back if it is not returned!
Lovely Living!
My dear friend, Kelly J., gave me the most lovely hostess gift: a personalized return-address label with an attractive image of a horse and rider with the address of Fox Hall, our house. It was created by FELIX DOOLITTLE. They are a boutique stationer with the most attractive artisan-crafted products which feature charming watercolor art creations by Felix Fu. When I saw their offerings, I was hooked! I discovered their bookplates, which are made with archival paper. They kindly created one with a fox, pictured above, for me.