Open Collections

[Bookplate for Victor W. Odlum]

The bookplate depicts several images representing aspects of Odlum's life and is printed in black and red on white paper. At the top of the bookplate is the family crest depicting a crowned owl (a pun on the pronunciation of the family name) and the motto "Vita Est Vigila." Underneath that is the Canadian flag and then below this is a series of biographically significant images. From left to right: a printing press ; a Turkish flag ; crossed swords and dates he served in the Boer War, World War One and World War Two ; an outline of Australia and a kangaroo ; and gardening tools. Below this series is an ancient Chinese character (Odlum's chop) and books.

Geography

Odlum, Victor W.

Still Image

Victor Odlum (1880-1971) was a soldier, journalist and diplomat. He fought in the Boer War and was appointed Brigadier General in World War I. He was the General Officer Commanding the 2nd Canadian Division in England during World War Two. In 1941 Odlum began his diplomatic career as Canadian High Commissioner to Australia. He was the first Canadian ambassador to serve in China (1943 - 1946) and Turkey (1947 - 1957). He was also editor and publisher of the Vancouver Star and the Vancouver Times. For further information please consult the Odlum fonds at Rare Books and Special Collections (University of British Columbia) and Victor Odlum: A Memoir by Roger Odlum. This bookplate is another version of BP GEN CAN P O358b. Mostly likely this is a first draft.

RBSC Bookplates

2006

Images provided for research and reference use only. Permission to publish, copy, or otherwise use these images must be obtained from Rare Books and Special Collections: http://rbsc.library.ubc.ca

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