SOURCE: Purchased It is great to collect bookmarks from the same bookshop over its history; see changes in design, typography, logos, etc. I was recently fortunate to find these two bookmarks in the same bargain bin at a collectibles fair where I got them both for 50c. The "Grahame Bookmark Company", later (around 1985) renamed "Grahames for Books" operated between 1940's and the late 1980's in Sydney, Australia. In 1968 the company was purchased by Gordon & Gotch. The earlier bookmark (on the right) is probably circa 1940-1950 and the later bookmark (below) is probably circa 1980s. It is clear from these bookmarks that the company continued to use the image of Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom, science and letters, throughout its operation. All in all, I prefer the design of the earlier bookmark to the more modern one. I also love how this earlier bookmark instructs us how to open a new book! |
The Grahame Book Company affixed stunning promotional stamps ("book trade labels") inside their books. These were produced by Waterlow & Sons, London. Over the years there were a few different designs and two are featured here. These stamps are very collectible and sought after. Mint ones currently sell for over $50.00 each. (I do not own any of these stamps. The images and information was sourced online). |