Bookplates 71- 80

This is a selection of the 80 bookplates that I have engraved in wood and printed in Victorian handpresses. I have also included details from the finished work as well as from the design drawings and engraved woodblocks.

You can find out more about wood engraving and see my work on my website: www.andyenglish.com

I am always very happy to talk about designing and engraving a bookplate for you to use yourself or for a gift. My work is always be in demand and there is usually a wait of at least a couple of months, sometimes more. However, I can sometimes fit work in if it is for a special event. Contact me at andyenglish@btinternet*dot*com.

I have arranged the bookplates in groups of ten, starting with the most recent.


 Bookplate 71

 Wood Engraving 75 x 50 mm

The tower of Montaigne in Perigord, France, 

with his skeptical motto "What Do I Know?"

Here is a detail:

Bookplate 72

Wood Engraving 94 x 80 mm

This complex image was a challenge, both n the design 

and the engraving. I enjoy a challenge!

Here is part of the engraved block:

Bookplate 73

Wood Engraving 67 x 50 mm

The owner of this plate and I both appreciate the bookplates

 of the Italian engraver Italo Zetti and I used several elements 

from Zetti's work in this design.

Bookplate 74

Wood Engraving  100 x 75 mm

An orrery for a scientist.

Bookplate 75

 Wood Engraving 70 x 70 mm

The S.S. Normandie and Jack Russel terriers, set against 

a historic New York skyline. Here is a detail:

Here is a detail of the engraved block:

Bookplate 76

  Wood Engraving 75 x 50 mm

A Cornish coastal landscape.

 Bookplate 78

Wood Engraving 75 x 50 mm

Castel Coch in S. Wales. I have included some of the motifs 

from architect William Burgess' wonderful designs.

Here is part of my final drawing:

Bookplate 79

 Wood Engraving 75 x 50 mm

A corgi, a short haired cat and a reference to 

Roald Dahl in the open book. I enjoyed making 

this bookplate very much. Here is a detail:

Here is part of the pen and ink drawing:

and here, the partly engraved block:

Bookplates 61 - 70

Bookplate 61

 Wood Engraving 50 x 50 mm

A wolf - for a child. Here is a detail:

Here is the partly engraved block:

Bookplate 62

Wood Engraving 75 x 50 mm

A shelf of books with a landscape beyond,

framed in part of an Albion handpress.

Bookplate 63

 Wood Engraving 75 x 50 mm

A nuthatch feeds on berries in a woodland landscape.
Here is a detail of the engraved block:

Bookplate 64

 Wood Engraving 100 x 75 mm

This bookplate was designed as a wedding "favour". 

Each guest received a packet of bookplates. 

I liked this idea and was very happy to engrave 

this "open" bookplate.

Here is a detail of the engraved block:

Bookplate 65

 Wood Engraving 100 x 75 mm

A powerful bear with symbols and a motto.

 Here is a detail from the engraved block:

 

Bookplate 66

Wood Engraving 75 x 50 mm

The owner's favourite wine and cigar - in a library setting.

Here is a detail:

and a detail of the engraved block:

Bookplate 67

 Wood Engraving 50 x 50 mm

A memory of salmon fishing in Canada.

Here is a detail:

Here is a detail from the partly engraved block:

Bookplate 68

 Wood Engraving 60 x 50 mm

Bookplate 69

 Wood Engraving 75 x 50 mm

A book in a landscape. The theatrical 

illustration can be seen below:

Bookplate 70

 Wood Engraving 75 x 50 mm

A mother reads to her children beneath a tree.

The book contains a landscape. 

Here is a detail:

Bookplates 51 - 60

Bookplate 51

Wood Engraving 75 x 50 mm

This was commissioned for a child

and contains elements of discovery.

Bookplate 52

Wood Engraving 75 x 50 mm

Oxford hens.

Bookplate 53

 

Wood Engraving 100 x 75 mm

The Earth from the book, books & their authors.

Bookplate 54

 Wood Engraving 50 x 50 mm

The Comma - one of my favourite butterflies.

Here is a detail:

Here is a detail of the engraved block:

Bookplate 55

Wood Engraving 75 x 50 mm

A hare by moonlight with a Gothic ruin.

Bookplate 57

 Wood Engraving 75 x 50 mm

A child reads by lamplight beneath a tulip tree; 

a memory of childhood. A favourite of mine.

Here is a detail:

Here are some of my preparatory drawings:

Bookplate 58

Wood Engraving 67 x 50 mm

A philatelist in his study. The bookplate has the proportions

 and some of the details of a "Penny Black".

Bookplate 60

Wood Engraving 50 x 50 mm

Organ pipes; a slightly more abstract plate for an organist.

Bookplates 41 - 50

Bookplate 42

Wood Engraving 100 x 75 mm

A large plate reflecting the owner's interests.

Bookplate 43

 Wood Engraving 100 x 75 mm

 This image centres on the three hares motif and also 

features wild strawberries and unfurling fern fronds.

The design "floats" on a star field. It is another favourite 

of mine; I particularly enjoyed engraving the uncial lettering.

Bookplate 47

Wood Engraving 75 x 50 mm

This design features Californian quails

Bookplate 48

Wood Engraving 50 x 50 mm

Melissa is from the Greek μέλι "honey"

This was a very special project as it was 

commissioned by and for a friend.

Bookplate 49

Wood Engraving 75 x 50 mm

This is an unusual bookplate. It was commissioned to accompany 

an article featuring my work in the Americal Express "Centurian" 

magazine, published in China and South East Asia. One hundred 

numbered bookplates were printed for readers. Here is a detail: