The Bookplate Collection
Ex-librīs de Collectio
Bookplates, also known as ex-librīs [Latin for "from the library”] are labels that are affixed normally to the endpaper of a book and indicate the ownership of the book. They usually depict a motif or design, many with a heraldic theme to them; including arms, crests, mottos, badges, associated with the owner or the organizations with which they affiliate or hold membership. They have always been a great way to show evidence of the provenance of books. They were first developed in Germany as decorative woodcut engravings, which were stamped onto documents and books. We then see the popularity of bookplates flourish in France around the 17th century, and subsequently in England from the Georgian era to the late Victorian era. To date, it is common to open the front cover of an old used book and find a small square glued to the inside cover with a depiction and someone’s name who, at one time, owned the book. Bookplates are still produced today by a handful of heraldic bookplate artists around the world as both black & white drawings and color paintings. With the advancement in technology of printing, it is rare to find woodcut stamps as most are now digitally printed onto adhesive paper.
I would ask that you please not copy or save to your device, any of the bookplates found on this page.
Mr. Roderick Gordon Macpherson, CM, KStJ, FRHSC, FRSA, FSA (scot) †
I had the good fortune to be a personal friend of Gordon Macpherson for many years, sharing his passion for heraldic bookplate design. During my early years with the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada, he was instrumental in providing me with invaluable knowledge and education, deepening my understanding of the complex history of heraldry. Throughout my own armorial bearing granting process, Gordon was a trusted confidant, offering insightful feedback during the design phase. In tribute to this exceptional heraldic artist, a significant portion of my bookplate collection is dedicated to his work. I have been fortunate to secure original copies of many bookplates he created throughout his illustrious career. Below is a sample of the 120+ bookplates by Gordon that are part of my collection. Gordon is greatly missed, and his legacy continues to inspire all who knew him.
Niagara Herald Extraordinary, and artist of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
The University of Trinity College, part of the University of Toronto.
Rideau Hall official residence of the Governor General of Canada.
Dr. Good is a Fellow of the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada, and professor of history at Reinhardt University.
Former Chief Herald of Canada, currently Rideau Herald Emeritus.
26th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
Spouse of Mr. R. Gordon MacPherson.
Capt(N) Pullen, OC, CD was a career Naval Officer and was involved in Arctic exploration after retiring from the RCN.
Former Chief Herald of Canada, currently Margaree-Chéticamp Herald Emeritus.
25th Governor General of Canada.
LCdr Beddoe, OC, OBE was the artist for the Book of Remembrance & first President of the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada.
A former president of the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada, and is currently Honorary Colonel of the Brockville Rifles.
Former Bishop of Niagara, current Albion Herald Extraordinary.
Col. Matheson, OC, CD, QC helped to develop the National Flag of Canada.
Also known as SICK KIDS hospital.
New Zealand’s leading heraldist, he was a prolific academic and artist.
Contemporary Bookplates By Various Artists
Sir Conrad Swan, KCVO, FRHSC, born in British Columbia, was the first Canadian to be appointed to the College of Arms (United Kingdom) and rose to the office of Garter Principal King of Arms. In his later years he was a personal friend and mentor on many heraldic subjects.
Artist: John BaInbridge (c. 1993)
Henry Lyman Parson Beckwith, Jr.
Artist: Hans D. Birk (c. 1970)
Sir (Alexandre) Colin Cole, KCVO, TD, OStJ, Garter King of Arms.
Artist: Zdenko G. Alexy (c. 1982)
Prof Antti Matikkala AIH, a Finnish heraldist, author and phaleristics.
Artist: Mr Karl K. Laurla (c. 1999)
Sir Conrad Swan when he was York Herald of Arms.
Artist: Robert Parsons (c. 1983)
Sir (Rupert) Ian (Kay) Moncreiffe of that Ilk, CVO, QC, KStJ, DL
Artist: Don Pottinger (c.1960)
Eduardo Esperanca illustrator and heraldic painter, self designed (c. 1984)
James McCreedy was a leading heraldist from New Zealand and designed many bookplates, self designed (c. 1995)
Major General Gilbert Walter Riversdale Monckton, 2nd Viscount Monckton of Brenchley, CB, OBE, MC, DL, FSA
Anthony Wood, a well known heraldic artist, self designed (c. 1974)
LCdr Michael J. Quigley, officer of the United States Navy.
Artist: Tudor Radu (c. 2013)
Anthony W. C. Phelps .
Artist: Geoffrey Musset (c. 1970)
Peter Harling.
Artist: Andrew Stewart Jamieson
Most Reverend Bruno Bernard Heim, Archbishop of Xanthos.
Artist: Rudolf Niedballa (c. 1982)
Jiri Louda, self designed (c. 1952)
Vintage Bookplates
The earliest known example of an ex-librīs is that of Hilprand Brandenburg, a Carthusian (German) monk from 1480. I have endeavored to provide below a number of examples of earlier and more rare bookplates within my collection to give you an idea of the complexity and diversity of the images and symbols used within them.
His Royal Highness Prince Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex. (c. 1827-43)
Field Marshall Charles Moore, 1st Marquess of Drogheda. (c. 1810)
Sir Mayson Moss Beaton, KBE (Civil) President of the Anglo-Newfoundland Development Co. Director of Timber Supplies, War Office 1914-19. (c. 1921)
Lieutenant Colonel Sir William Topham Knt. (1858), K.C.H (1853) of the Hon. Corps of Gentlemen at Arms. (c. 1860)
James Charles Dale, English naturalist and High Sheriff for Dorest. (c. 1843)
Sir George Augustus William Shuckburgh-Evelyn, 6th Baronet. A British politician, mathematician & astronomer. (c. 1790)
Lieutenant General Sir James Adolphus Oughton, KB. Commander-in-Chief Scotland 1778-80 and Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland 1769-71. (c.1770)
Thomas LeBlanc, FSA master of Trinity Hall in 1815, and served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge. (c. 1815)
William Cavendish-Bentinck, 6th Duke of Portland. (c. 1900) Great details in the plate
A bishop’s bookplate impaled & surrounded by the Garter of the Order of the Garter.
Sir Robert Laird Borden, GCMG, PC, KC 8th Prime Minister of Canada 1911-20.
(c. 1915)
James Archibald Stuart-Wortley, PC, QC politician and Solicitor General of England and Wales. (c 1830)
Use of his crest, motto and insignia of the Civil Division, 3rd class Most Honourable Order of the Bath. (c. 1859)
Archbishop Charles Brodrick. (c. 1810) Note the miter above a coronet
John Conduitt, Esq. Master of the Mint 1727-37. (c. 1730)
Sir Thomas North Dick Lauder of Fountainhall, 9th Baronet, (1846-1919) a Knight of Justice in the Order of S. John of Jerusalem. (c.1882)