Auckland Ex Libris Society


Auckland Ex Libris Society is a New Zealand learned society dedicated to the study, design, production, collection and appreciation of ex libris / bookplates, as well as many aspects of the book arts.

History

The Society was founded as Auckland Branch, New Zealand Ex Libris Society by Dr Edward Burton Gunson, Olive Wilson, Ida Eise, Hilda Wiseman, Dr Howard Coverdale and others, at an inaugural meeting held at the Auckland Society of Arts on 27 November 1930. Though not all attendees were named, the Society started with 19 foundation members.
Auckland Branch changed its name to the current form on 1 September 1954. With NZELS ceasing operation in 1960 and extinct from 1979, it carries on as the only ex libris / bookplate society in New Zealand, as well as the oldest in Australasia.

Activities

The Society remains active, playing a significant role in promoting the art of bookplates within the Auckland region. It holds monthly meetings from May to November each year, and produces occasional workshops, exhibitions and published works.

Publications

  • . "This souvenir brochure is issued by the Auckland Ex Libris Society to commemorate the handing over of the P. Neville Barnett bookplate collection to the Auckland War Memorial Museum"
*