The Rt. Hon. Sir John Rhys (1840-1915) was a Celtic scholar who was born in Cardiganshire and studied at Oxford and later in France and Germany. He was appointed Inspector of Schools in Wales in 1871 and Professor of Celtic at Jesus College, Oxford in 1877, becoming Principal of Jesus in 1895. He was also a Fellow of the British Academy. He wrote 'Celtic Britain', published 1882, and 'Celtic Heathendom', published 1888. It appears this bookplate was designed for the collection of his books when bequeathed
Celtic calligraphy, bookplate for the Sir John Rhys Collection. Numerous celtic designs and symbols embellishing lettering. The symbols include a daffodil, a red dragon, a lion, a fish, snakes / serpents and bird heads. Celtic patterns include spirals some of which use counter space. Painted in very fine detail in various colours. Painted two line border. Text on image 'LLYFRGELL SIR JOHN RHYS / Rhodd Cymun SYR JOHN RHYS I Coleg y Prifysgol Aberystwyth 1916'
