Читать книгу On the Processes for the Production of Ex Libris (Book-Plates) онлайн

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Some people may take exception to the word manufacture, used in this connection, as being inappropriate to a description of what may be defined as one of the modern arts. But the terms, though by no means synonymous, are at any rate akin; for doubtless the majority of book-plates are artistically designed, but for their reproduction and final manipulation the aid of science must be resorted to.

Mr. Vinycomb, in his opening remarks, says: “The production of book-plates, by whatever means, is but a side branch of the art by which pictorial and decorative illustrations of every kind are executed, and copies multiplied by some of the ordinary processes of printing.” He then tells us that whereas in former times wood engraving and copper engraving were responsible for most of the book-plates existing, “the advance of modern science has, however, changed all that, and we may now possess a charming book-plate, which is neither engraved on wood or on copper, and yet may pass for either the one or the other, or have characteristics entirely its own.” It must be borne in mind, however, that many persons have a great abhorrence of processes of all kinds, and cannot be satisfied with anything short of an Ex Libris worked direct from the copper. In the highest interests of Art, they are doubtless right; but whereas it is only the rich man who can purchase the work of an old master or of a modern painter, by means of the despised process blocks these same works of art can be placed in the hands of everyone. This, however, is too wide a subject to be dealt with here; yet a glance at the pages of the Studio and other current periodicals should convince the most sceptical that the most beautiful work may be produced by these same processes. It is the same with book-plates, the artist’s handiwork being reproduced in absolute fac-simile.