When a library was a necessity for a well-educated person, ownership of a book was indicated by the presence of a bookplate pasted into their books. While generic bookplates exist, book collectors often approached an artist to design an ex libris specifically for them, with their name and a design which reflected their interests, profession, activities or personality. James Stanton looks at some of the 40 bookplates designed by Melbourne artist Eric Thake over a 54-year span, and the people – often close friends – who asked him to design their personal bookplate.