“Ex-libris land”. A key event in the past of Hungarian ex-libris, the 13th International Ex-libris Congress

Abstract

The original function of ex-libris (bookplates) was linked with books. The meaning of the expression also reflects on that: ’from the library of’. At the turn of the 20^th century, with the international appearance of Art Nouveau, a significant change happened: bookplates were gradually separated from books and became independent objects to collect. Associations of collectors were founded abroad and in Hungary; from 1953, international ex-libris congresses have been held as well. Hungary had the opportunity to organise the 13^th International Ex-libris Congress in 1970: ”November 5, 1970 will always remain a memorable date in the history of Hungarian ex-libris: graphic artists, ex-libris collectors and friends of small graphic from all over the world are going to meet in Hungary for the first time,” declared Andor Semsey, lawyer and ex-libris collector, president of the congress in Budapest.

The study gives a detailed insight into the programmes, exhibitions and publications of the congress. The artist generation and the ex-libris collecting intellectuals (lawyers, teachers, librarians, doctors, scientists, priests, etc.) of the time took part in the event in large numbers. Museums and libraries in Budapest and in the country (including the Ernst Museum, the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture and the Lake Balaton Museum in Keszthely, the National Széchényi Library – as part of the Hungarian National Museum – and the County Library in Eger) played an important role in the arrangement of the programmes and exhibitions. The National Széchényi Library opened an exhibition of old Hungarian bookplates from previous centuries. In Eger, an exhibition of Hungarian ex-libris art between the two world wars was on display. In connection with the congress, an international competition was organized. The participating graphic artists could choose from the following topics: Budapest, the city of the 13^th Ex-libris Congress; Memorial graphic on the occasion of the 25^th anniversary of the death of Béla Bartók; Wine and grapes on bookplates. A significant number of the works of Hungarian graphic artists were featured in the international exhibitions, too.

The Hungarian journal on small graphic Kisgrafika gave a detailed report on the events and the Hungarian press of the time covered the main programme as well. The congress was favourably received and highly appreciated internationally. It is no coincidence that the French professor and renowned ex-libris collector, Paul Pfister – who also took part in the event – called Hungary “Ex-libris land”.