An exhibition of bookplates at Asheville Bookworks

From a press release:

An exhibition of bookplates at Asheville Bookworks

When: Exhibition on view June through July 2014
Where: Asheville Bookworks, 428 ½ Haywood Rd, West Asheville, NC 28806
www.ashevillebookworks.com
Regular gallery hours  Mon – Fri 1-5 pm and Sat. 1-4 pm

Asheville BookWorks is pleased to announce their June / July exhibition, Ex Libris. This unique portfolio of prints was a collaborative project of the Atlanta Printmakers Studio (APS) and Spudnik Press. The theme, Bookplates, features imaginative imagery of Books, Reading and Literature.

Bookplates were originally designed as small decorative labels pasted inside a book’s cover to indicate ownership. A long line of artists have been inspired and commissioned to design these miniature prints including Albrecht Durer, Hans Holbein, Aubrey Beardsley, Eric Gill, and Rockwell Kent to name a few. In the 19th century there was strong interest in ex libris collecting and society’s were formed to promote and commission bookplates from prominent artists.

Bookplates served as evidence of prestige and status as well as important documentation of the provenance of books. The images often related to the interests, career and accomplishments of the book’s owner, a play on the person’s name, and ancient myths or fables. In Ex Libris – Bookplates, whether the focus was on traditional subjects of the bookplate or addressed the issues of ownership and consumerism, all APS and Spudnik Press members were invited to participate in this annual exchange and exhibition.

Bookplates are approx. 7 x 5 inches. The prints were made using traditional printmaking processes (no reproductions). Digital prints combined with traditional printmaking processes are also included.

In addition, a companion exhibit of Bookplates by Andy English, a contemporary British wood engraver who makes bookplates for a number of private libraries and individuals. An interview with Andy English will accompany the exhibit.