posted on April 24, 2004 10:30:15 AM
I hate the thought of destroying old books but I do have some that are in very bad condition but the illustrations are great-Anyone have any luck selling book illustrations as art??????
posted on April 24, 2004 03:25:17 PM
Why don't you try selling some "reprints"? With a scanner and a printer you could generate an inventory on an "as needed" basis. Scan the really good stuff and keep it in your computer, try selling the books emphasizing the great "frameable" illustrations, and see how it goes. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I'm considering trying this with an antique magazine, THE QUEEN'S ALMANACK, from 1884. It's a treasure trove of old ads and pictures. The pictures are all done with engravings and line drawings, rather than photos. It has fashions of the times, pictures of the reigning European Royalty from many countries, embroidery & needlework patterns & instructions etc. and great ads - sort of 1884's equivalent of today's Lady's Magazines. I'd sell the original for the right price, but not before scanning the best stuff.
posted on April 24, 2004 05:29:34 PM
I'll soon know the answer to your question! Loving books as I do, and listening to booksellers over the years, I've been reluctant to tear apart any books. But I got one recently that is in horrible shape--a big hardback music book with wonderful old fashioned b&w illustrations, about 50, from around 1890. The book's spine was totally broken up, so I did take the illustrations out and am listing them starting tomorrow night for a week. Stay tuned! IF you want to search for it after 8 p.m. PDT, use "roadsmith" for the user name.
