American Book-Plates: A Guide to Their Study with ExamplesAllen, Charles Dexter
History
American Book-Plates: A Guide to Their Study with Examples
Allen, Charles Dexter
Bookplates -- Bibliography; Bookplates, American
Gardiner Chandler Chippendale.
David Greene Chippendale.
Epes Sargent Chippendale.
William Wetmore Ribbon and Wreath.
Revere’s plates do not have the compact appearance of Hurd’s, and are
not so well designed or so well engraved as the latter’s. Presumably
this branch of work was not very profitable to him, or very much
cultivated.
The accompanying design was undoubtedly a book-plate, and beyond
question is the work of Revere. It is a very rare plate.
* * * * *
WILLIAM ROLLINSON was born in England, in the year 1760. He was in youth
brought up to the trade of ornamenting buttons; and, upon coming to New
York, made the gilt buttons which decorated the coat worn by Washington
at his inauguration as President. He did this without remuneration, so
thoroughly sympathizing with the country of his adoption as to feel the
honor of this service for Washington a full compensation. He was,
through the friendship of Messrs. Elias Hicks and John C. Ludlow,
recommended to the publishers of Brown’s Family Bible, for which he made
several plates. Previous to this, he found work in the shops of
different silversmiths, and had taught himself the art of engraving on
copper. At the beginning of the century, Archibald Robertson painted a
portrait of Alexander Hamilton, which Rollinson boldly undertook to make
a large engraving from. He did not understand all the processes of
engraving, and invented such as he was compelled to use, as he went on.
The duel in which Hamilton lost his life occurred before the portrait
was fully engraved. Indeed, it had been undertaken more as an experiment
than with the idea of sale; but the friends of the dead statesman urged
him to complete it, which he did, and the print found a good sale.
Later, Rollinson invented a machine for ruling waved lines, which was of
vast importance in the manufacture of bank-notes.
As an engraver of book-plates, he adopted the Ribbon and Wreath style
naturally, as it was the style in vogue when he took up the work. He
made one or two plain armorials, and for the _New York College of
Pharmacy_ one of more ambitious design. His plates, all neat in design,
are clear, skilful engraving. His work and that of Callender, in the
same style, resemble each other.
The following plates are signed by Rollinson:--
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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