Bookplate of W. H. Chase 19th-20th century

Curator: This is Sidney L. Smith's bookplate, designed for W. H. Chase. It's a lovely example of the art of the bookplate. Editor: It feels so intimate, like a tiny stage set for a private drama of the mind. The book, of course, the anchor. What does it mean? Curator: Well, bookplates were a mark of ownership, and status, for book collectors, meant to reflect something of the owner's interests. Editor: The anchor suggests a connection to the sea, perhaps. There is a contemplative feel. The motto in the book reads: "Companion of my Solitude." Curator: Exactly. Bookplates provided a way for individuals to express themselves through carefully selected imagery, even within the seemingly rigid social conventions of the time. Editor: A small window into the soul, hidden inside the cover of a book. It’s amazing how much personality can be conveyed in such a tiny space. Curator: These objects show us how art could be deeply embedded in everyday life, shaping personal identity and social circles. Editor: It's making me want to design my own bookplate, but what symbol could encapsulate my whole self?