Open Collections

[between 1831 and 1913]

1 bookplate : intaglio printing ; 9 x 13 cm

England

Prints

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Belonged to Mark Rutherford (1831-1913), who wrote pseudonymously under the name "William Hale White". Rutherford is remembered as a minor Victorian novelist, and as a prolific contributor to the English periodical press. Throughout his life he worked as a civil servant for the Admirality, finishing his career as Assistant Director of Naval Contracts. The bookplate features the evidence of his career in the form of the sailing vessel set prominently in the middleground. The foreground offers a view of the Hellenic "Pillars of Hercules". The pillars mark Hercules' struggle with the Twelve Labors. In attempt to capture the Cattle of Greyon, Hercules must climb the mountain Atlas. Instead of climbing the mountain, he splits it asunder, connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranian, and forming the Straits of Gibraltar. The pillars are also known as a gateway, or portal to other destinations both earthly, and otherworldy. UBC Special Collections holds the William Hale White Family Papers.
References:
1) See UBC Special Collections for the William Hale White Family Papers: www.library.ubc.ca/spcoll/AZ/ PDF/WY/White_William_Hale_Family_Papers.pdf
2) The papers of William Hale White comprise the majority of the records, and include correspondence with family and friends, and published and unpublished manuscripts. See also the Mark Rutherford Resource Centre: http://www.concentric.net/~Djfrench/main.htm

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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