Answers to questions on collecting bookplates.

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How to start a bookplate collection

I would start a bookplate collection. How should I act ?

A bookplate is intended in the first place to mark your book as your property, hoping it will come back after you have lent it to somebody.
Some bookplate owners are really using it just for that purpose.
But since there have been printed several copies of your bookplate, why wouldn't you use a part of the edition for swapping with other bookplate owners?
Before you realize it, you have taken the first step to a stunning collection!

How to learn more on bookplates:

The first thing is to have a basic knowledge on bookplates.
There is a global organization, called FISAE coordinating all the national associations. On their website you can learn a lot and find links and addresses.

Many countries have their own national organization, such as the American Bookplate Organization.
On their beautiful website you will also find a lot of information as well as several books on bookplates.

How to acquire bookplates:

Bookplates by current artists:
Far out the cheapest and most efficient way is:

Become a member of the bookplate association of your country.
Contact the artist of your choice and ask him to make an ex-libris on your name. Your bookplate association will surely know his address. You can also find a lot of addresses on the participants lists of the congresses.
Visit the exchange days of your society where you can exchange your bookplates with other collectors.
Do not miss the international congresses which are exciting events where you can encounter international collectors as well as many artists from several countries. They normally take place every two years in a different country.

A.D. French
(USA 1851 - 1906)

If you want to acquire older bookplates or bookplates by artists who are dead, it may be necessary to buy them.
Several websites are specialized in selling antique bookplates but you can find them also on antique book websites.
Bookplates are also offered by some auction houses and you will surely find them on eBay as well.

Despite bookplate associations state that bookplates do not have a commercial value, the reality is quite different. Bookplates, just like all other goods, are subjected to the law of supply and demand: the rarer or the more popular, the more expensive they are.

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