Organisation, research and conservation of an ex-libris collection: contemporary approaches and historical analysis

Abstract

The aim of the article is to analyse trends in the field of digital management of graphic archives in the context of the rapidly changing information environment, to consider issues of data security and accessibility. To raise the issue of popularising the study of the bookplate as an independent genre in the fine arts and as a historical document that attests to the era, events and people. The history of ex-libris goes back to ancient times, with the appearance of the text and its first owner. This history is multifaceted, diverse and touches on various aspects of the worldwide development of human culture. The development of bookplate collecting and the study of bookplates dates back to the Middle Ages, from which time we can trace the history of the transformation of the bookplate from a bookmark with a protective function to an independent art object and collector’s item. This paper examines several modern methods of organising and preserving an ex-libris collection, providing an overview of the key technologies involved in these processes, drawing on contemporary and historical research. The research results are primarily intended for use in the collections of the Pushkin Museum in Chișinău and are based on the largest ex-libris collection in the country, which includes over 15,000 items. The collection needs to be described, systematised and assigned in order to prepare it for further research and exhibitions.

Keywords

• ex-libris
• collection
• museum
• conservation
• preservation
• storage
• research
• book
• history