Historical information

Bookmarks increased in popularity from the mid-nineteenth century to the present time of 2025. These parchment corner bookmarks were produced in Italy c. 1950 and represent a high point artistically for what are usually ephemeral items.

Significance

Corner bookmarks were widely popular as this beautifully painted Italian parchment one from the mid-twentieth century demonstrates when seen alongside Australian and American examples in the Hymettus collection. As part of the large international collection at Hymettus this bookmark contributes to social history and the minor arts.

Physical description

A large corner bookmark of leather with artwork and caligraphic wording 'Buon Libro Buon Amico', Good Books Good Friends.

Inscriptions & markings

embossed and painted onto the parchment are the words