Bookplate of Francis Davis Millet

Date: Unknown, post 1883 when the family rented a home in Broadway, England.

Dimensions: Height: cm ( in.), Width: cm ( in.)

Owner/Location: Unknown, Copies of the bookplate can still be found in some of the books owned by the Millet decedents.

Description

The bookplate is typical Millet. Filled with fun even whimsy, but also filled with information for those who know what to look for.

First, at the top of the hill right, is Broadway Tower a famous British landmark and a one time studio of William Morris, the famous Arts and Crafts icon. Next, on the left is a US flag, with 12 stars, so it doesn’t help us date the bookplates creation, but note the flagpole is painters brush. In the main body of the image we see Millet, in floppy straw hat and painters smock, settled in front of his easel painting the buildings of Broadway. Finely his name, with his initials and last name, following his most common way to sign his artwork. All this is wrapped up in a pair of arts and crafts columns reminiscent of the William Morris popular style, giving us some idea that the bookplate may have been created shortly after the family rented Farnham House or certainly by the time they purchased Russell House in Broadway.

Literature

Publications: