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Endpaper Collection (#3)

Endpapers are not just the blank pages at the beginning and end of a book, but rather an opportunity for artistic expression

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Endpaper illustration, goslings and signpost

Endpaper illustration, goslings and signpost
Endpaper illustration, goslings looking up at a signpost which points to market, to the duck pond, and to town. A bird with a worm stands on top looking down at them. Date: circa 1933

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - Variety of dessert dishes

Repeating Pattern - Variety of dessert dishes. *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern and will not feature on the final file.*

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - Watermelons

Repeating Pattern - Watermelons. *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern and will not feature on the final file.*

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - Toy Drummers

Repeating Pattern - Toy Drummers. *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern and will not feature on the final file.*

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - Pineapples

Repeating Pattern - Pineapples. *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern and will not feature on the final file.*

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - Grand Horse-drawn Carriage

Repeating Pattern - Grand Horse-drawn Carriage. *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern and will not feature on the final file.*

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - guardsmen, yellow

Repeating Pattern - guardsmen, yellow
Repeating Pattern - guardsmen (with yellow background). *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern and will not feature on the final file.*

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - guardsmen, red

Repeating Pattern - guardsmen, red
Repeating Pattern - guardsmen (with red background). *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern and will not feature on the final file.*

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - guardsmen, white

Repeating Pattern - guardsmen, white
Repeating Pattern - guardsmen (with white background). *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern and will not feature on the final file.*

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - guardsmen, blue

Repeating Pattern - guardsmen, blue
Repeating Pattern - guardsmen (with blue background). *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern and will not feature on the final file.*

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - guardsmen, green

Repeating Pattern - guardsmen, green
Repeating Pattern - guardsmen (with green background). *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern and will not feature on the final file.*

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - guardsmen, black

Repeating Pattern - guardsmen, black
Repeating Pattern - guardsmen (with black background). *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern and will not feature on the final file.*

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - peacocks, red

Repeating Pattern - peacocks, red
Repeating Pattern - peacocks (with red background). *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern and will not feature on the final file.*

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - peacocks, blue

Repeating Pattern - peacocks, blue
Repeating Pattern - peacocks (with blue background). *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern and will not feature on the final file.*

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - peacocks, yellow

Repeating Pattern - peacocks, yellow
Repeating Pattern - peacocks (with yellow background). *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern and will not feature on the final file.*

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - peacocks, white

Repeating Pattern - peacocks, white
Repeating Pattern - peacocks (with white background). *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern and will not feature on the final file.*

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - peacocks, green

Repeating Pattern - peacocks, green
Repeating Pattern - peacocks (with green background). *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern and will not feature on the final file.*

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - circus clowns perform balancing act

Repeating Pattern - circus clowns perform balancing act
Repeating Pattern - three circus clowns performing a balancing act on a blue background. *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern

Background imageEndpaper Collection: There is a lock upon my heart - and you have the key

There is a lock upon my heart - and you have the key - A romantic Valentines Day card with a blue background

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - Dancing girls - silhouette - yellow

Repeating Pattern - Dancing girls - silhouette - yellow
Repeating Pattern - Three young girls in pretty frocks dancing (in silhouette on yellow background). *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - Heart Lock in green

Repeating Pattern - Heart Lock in green
Repeating Pattern - Heart Lock (in green). *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern and will not feature on the final file.*

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - Heart Lock in blue

Repeating Pattern - Heart Lock in blue
Repeating Pattern - Heart Lock (in blue). *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern and will not feature on the final file.*

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Repeating Pattern - Heart Lock in white

Repeating Pattern - Heart Lock in white
Repeating Pattern - Heart Lock (in white). *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern and will not feature on the final file.*

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Victorian men in pyjamas

Victorian men in pyjamas
Repeating Pattern - Victorian men in pyjamas. *PLEASE NOTE that the magnifying glass is solely to show the detail of the repeating pattern and will not feature on the final file.*

Background imageEndpaper Collection: Biblical endpaper or frontispiece - various scenes

Biblical endpaper or frontispiece - various scenes circa 18th century




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Endpapers are not just the blank pages at the beginning and end of a book, but rather an opportunity for artistic expression. From repeating patterns to humorous illustrations, they add depth and character to any literary work. One example design is Cecil Aldin's creation, featuring a mesmerizing repeating pattern of skeletons. This macabre yet captivating design sets the tone for what lies within the pages. Charles Crombie also showcases his wit through his humorous endpapers. With clever illustrations scattered throughout, these designs bring a smile to readers' faces before they even delve into the preface or introduction. Speaking of which, one such preface that caught my eye was Merula's introduction to Martial's Epigrammata. Its intricate detailing and elegant typography make it a visual feast for any reader. If you're in search of something more nostalgic, old-style telephones with men and women conversing adorn another set of repeating patterned endpapers. These vintage images transport us back in time when communication was slower but perhaps more meaningful. For those who yearn for adventure on the high seas, pale blue backgrounds adorned with sailing ships provide an ideal backdrop. The repetitive nature of this design creates a sense of movement and excitement as if we were embarking on our own maritime journey. Hokusai's Great Wave takes center stage in another set of endpapers where circles repeat endlessly. This iconic image captures both power and tranquility simultaneously - reminding us that life is ever-changing like the waves themselves. If fruit tickles your fancy instead, assorted fruits or specifically apples and pears can be found adorning other sets of repeating patterned endpapers. Their vibrant colors create a mouthwatering display that whets our appetite for knowledge within the book itself. Whether it be skeletons dancing across pages or sailing ships navigating vast oceans - each set of endpapers tells its own unique story before we even begin reading.