Open Collections

[Bookplate for Frances Mary Richardson Currer]

This heraldic bookplate consists of a stylized escutcheon, with a pale counterchanged per fess. Sections one and six are parted per cross, with quarters one and four sable (black), with a chief argent (silver), charged with three lions erased. Quarters two and three consists of a barry of eight ermine and azure (blue), with a chief azure, charged with a lion passant guardant. Section two is azure, with a simple bend or (gold), charged with two heads of a stag. Section three is azure, with a bend engrailed and or, charged with three martlets. Section four is ermine, with a cross engrailed and sable. Finally, section five is vert (green), with a bordure engrailed and or, charged with a stag's head. Below the entire escutcheon is bookplate owner's name.

Heraldry

Currer, Frances Mary Richardson

Still Image

Frances Mary Richardson-Currer (1785-1861) of Eshton Hall, Skipton, Yorkshire, has been described as one of the first female book collectors in Europe. After inheriting her grandfather's library, she built a collection consisting ofapproximately 15000 volumes which she catalogued under subjects. Notably, as a known scholar, she also possibly had contact with Charlotte Bronte, who may have made use of Currer's library. It is thought Bronte used 'Currer' as a pseudonym in her first novel as tribute to Frances. According to the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Currer was known for her generosity, amiableness, and accomplishments, and supported the Cowen Bridge School, a Clergy Daughter's School. Her library held notable holdings on antiquities, natural science, and topography, as well as illustrated books and rarities.
References:
1) The Manual of Heraldry . 7th Ed. London: Virtue Brothers & Co., 1866.
2) Heraldic Dictionary . University of Notre Dame, Dept. of Special Collections. 31 July 2000 . Accessed 21 Nov. 2007 at http://www.rarebooks.nd.edu/digital/heraldry/index.html.
3) "Mottoes Q-S." Heraldry Unlimited. First accessed 3 Mar. 2004 from http://www.heraldryunlimited.com/guide/motto/AC.htm.
4) Simpson, D.P. Cassell's New Latin Dictionary. 3rd Ed. London: Cassell & Company Ltd., 1964.
5) "Frances Mary Richardson-Currer." From History to Her Story: Yorkshire Women's Lives On-Line. Accessed 26 Mar. 2008 from http://www.historytoherstory.org.uk/subject.php?id=132
6) Colin Lee, 'Currer, Frances Mary Richardson (1785-1861)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/6951, accessed 26 March 2008]

RBSC Bookplates

2008

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

CONTENTdm