Ex-libris Paris: the reader’s intimate chic
In the 7th arrondissement of Paris, Lauren and Igor are reviving an almost-forgotten tradition: ex-libris. This accessory, meaning “in the library of” in Latin, marks the ownership of a book. Chic, intimate, we love it!
Great figures such as Winston Churchill, Victor Hugo and Lewis Carroll used them to protect their collections. But with the disappearance of engravers and the rise of digital technology, ex-libris fell into oblivion. Fortunately, the founders of Ex-libris Paris, Lauren and Igor, are bringing it back to life.
A shared passion
Lauren and Igor met at Art Paris three years ago. They soon moved in together, scouring friends’ apartments in search of their future home. It was during this period that the company was born.
Lauren, daughter of an engraver and granddaughter of a bibliophile, has always been fascinated by this art form. For his part, Igor has found in bookplates a way of making books his own. The couple share a passion for beauty and paper books, which led them to set up their own business. Together, they create unique bookplates, designed by Lauren, who trained at the École du Louvre and in heraldry in England. The wood used for the stamps comes from Igor’s family estate in the Perche region of France.
Ex-Libris, an authentic and ambitious approach
At Ex-libris Paris, every detail counts. Lauren and Igor take care of everything, from the design concept to customer relations and social network communication. The couple conduct “philosophical interviews” with each customer to create their bespoke stamp, adapted to their personality. Lauren transforms herself into a literary psychoanalyst to discover the symbols that correspond to each owner.
The couple don’t just make these objects. They are also committed to the preservation of the 450-year-old book trade in Paris. For every order placed, they donate 20% to this cause. The duo also collaborated with Sonia Rykiel on the “Sex-Libris” literary event. Their mission goes far beyond simply creating an object: they want to re-establish the importance of the paper book in a digital age.
By bringing bookplates back into fashion, Lauren and Igor reaffirm the value of cultural objects and bibliophily.
To have your Ex-Libris custom-made, visit the second floor of Le Bon Marché or their website.
Also read: Catherine Deneuve sublimated by artist Marc-Antoine Coulon
