bookmarks in library & museum collections : australia

I have recently been having fun searching online for bookmarks held by museums, libraries, archives and historical societies.  It is so great to see that there are some bookmarks being collected and preserved by our wonderful public institutions.  

Typically, these bookmarks are donated by people (sometimes famous) as part of their larger donation or bequest of books, documents and other items.

Here are a few examples of these bookmarks that I have found so far in some Australian institutions.  Click on the institution name to view the bookmark in its original location and to read more about it.

W.J. Harrison's bookmark commemorating Sydney Harbour Bridge, 14 Mar 1931.

Mitchell Library,
​State Library of New South Wales.
Sydney, Australia

Leather bookmark with abstract design handpainted with acrylic paint. Signed by artist 'By MEREDITH. c. 1990s

National Museum of Australia.
​Canberra

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Silver gum leaf bookmark with kangaroo, c. 1920

National Museum of Australia.
Canberra

Silver bookmark with kangaroo finial, 1910

National Museum of Australia.
Canberra

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Flags of Freedom cardboard bookmark, ​c. 1914-1918 (WW1).

Native rose bookmark ; 1953, May Gibbs

University of Wollongong Archives.
NSW, Australia​

State Library of NSW. 
Sydney, Australia

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Bookmark of purple silk taffeta ribbon with hand worked floral motif and text 'For The One I Love' worked in needlepoint on fine canvas. Used by Mrs John Hibbard, nee Maria Haines [1835-1929].

Port Macquarie Museum. NSW, Australia

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Human hair cross stitch bookmark. c. mid 1800s. The words on the bookmark "Forget me not" are made with human hair.

Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
​Cowes, Victoria, Australia

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Bookmark commemorating the maiden voyage of RMS "Orion", 1935.

National Library of Australia.  Canberra

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Maroon leather bookmark, Phar Lap, Australian champion racehorse [1929-1932], c. 1980

Museums Victoria
Australia