COMMISSIONING A BOOKPLATE

I am very happy to accept commissions to design and engrave a personal bookplate.I will also print small editions of bookplates in a Victorian handpress or arrange for larger quantities to be made by a skilled printer. Here are the main points to consider:

Subject

I am willing to consider any subject. My galley of bookplates shows a variety of topics. A glance at my website will give an idea of the most common subjects that I tackle. Please feel free to contact me with your ideas.

Design

I welcome your ideas for your bookplate. You can be very specific, or give a general idea of what you want to be included. If you prefer, I can make suggestions for a design. Usually this will be based on responses to questions that I will ask. I will produce a number of sketched designs and then, after further consultation, I will make a final design drawing for your approval.

Ownership of the Block

I normally retain ownership of the engraved block.  If you wish to purchase the block, please make this clear when you are commissioning the plate.

Your Bookplates

All of your bookplates will be original prints from the engraved woodblock. I can comfortably print up to about five hundred bookplates by hand. I am happy to sign and number the bookplates. You may also purchase some or all of the original drawings that I made as part of the design process.  Larger quantities are usually printed for me by a skilled letterpress printer.

Materials

Your bookplate will usually be engraved on the best English boxwood. This allows me to engrave in great detail and also makes very good printed impressions. I normally use black ink but can consider printing in another colour if you prefer. I usually print on Zerkall mould made paper. This is a good archival paper that takes a good impression. Please note that this is not gummed paper. The plates do need to be pasted into books - instructions are given here.

How Long Will It Take To Make My Bookplate?

The minimum time is normally a month and  it will often take longer, especially if I have a waiting list. This depends on how busy I am at any particular time. Another factor is the size of the block and the amount of detail required.

How Much Will My Bookplate Cost?

This depends on the size of the block, the complexity of the engraving and the number of bookplates required. A modest bookplate in small quantities is relatively inexpensive. Do email me with your requirements and I am sure that we will be able to agree on a price that suits us both.