Artists have been creating bookplates since the fifteenth century, but it was not until 1922 that bookplate collectors from around the world founded The American Society of Bookplate Collectors and Designers. The society seeks “to cultivate the spirit of friendship and mutual helpfulness among collectors and designers of bookplates; and to assist in the further development of the bookplate.” As part of its mission, the society brought together bookplates from 357 artists representing 37 countries for a recent annual meeting of the Federation International des Societes d’Amateurs d’Ex Libris. A portion of that extensive exhibition is displayed in this exhibit.

Dodd Research Center, Corridor Gallery
Curator: Rutherford Witthus