At the 2008 annual general meeting, held in November 2008, it was agreed that it would be more sensible to hold these meetings early in the new year. This would allow the Treasurer and other officers of the Society to provide reports on the full calendar year of activities. The Annual General Meeting held on the evening of 23 June 2010 thus reflected on the Society’s third full year of existence, 2009, and also included discussions on plans for the future.

We were privileged to be allowed to use the Research Library of the Art Gallery of New South Wales as the venue for the meeting, through the good offices of Steven Miller, Head of the Research Library and Archive at the Gallery. Despite the heavy rain and resulting dreadful Sydney traffic, we had a record attendance of 15 members, including three who had travelled from Melbourne (although not solely to attend the meeting).

The President reported that the Newsletter continued to be well received, and that Mike Carter had arranged for him to address the Australian Society of Miniature Art (NSW) in November. Our Society now has 77 members, including the legal deposit libraries, and whilst a small number have failed to renew, this was more than balanced by 5 new members in 2009 and 7 joining so far in 2010. He also reported that he would be attending the internation bookplate congress – FISAE – in Istanbul over 25-29 August and would be representing the Society. The Treasurer then tabled the financial report to 31 December 2009, showing that funds on hand amounted to approximately three thousand dollars. With this healthy account balance, he suggested that the Society could issue some finely produced publications to raise the Society’s profile and boost membership.

A viewing of the mock up of the Members’ Directory prepared by the Secretary engendered much discussion and it was clear that those present were enthusiastic about this project; however, some members require a further reminder to forward copies or scans of their own bookplates for inclusion. Similarly, the Vice President had pursued the question of how the Society might assist artist members, including raising their profile among other members and the public. It was agreed that a page on the Society’s website would be an excellent vehicle to showcase designs produced by artist members, and that a subcommittee would be formed to progress this and other ideas.

After this, election of office bearers was held and in the absence of other nominations, the 2009 office bearers were re-elected for 2010: President, Mark Ferson; Vice President, Mike Carter; Treasurer, Ronald Cardwell; and Secretary, Mary Keep. Mark thanked all for their contributions to the running and continuing development of the Society.

At the conclusion of formal business, the President introduced guest speaker Steven Miller who gave a brief but interesting and tantalising overview of the Pat Corrigan Collection of Australian artists’ bookplates held by the Library. Members were given an opportunity to view bookplates, associated material and actual printing plates on display in the Library as well as in a number of volumes collected and donated by Corrigan. Steven was thanked for his talk and for providing the very comfortable venue.