In Memoriam – Brian Verstage
Brian Verstage, a Wynkyn de Worde Society member from 2013 to 2023, has recently died, aged 77. Kevan Barrett, a current member of the Society, has written about him for us.
Brian was born into a ‘printing family’. His father and three uncles ran S R Verstage & Sons. The printing and stationary business had been set up by his grandfather between the wars, it was subsequently sold to Taylor & Francis, the publishers.
Brian attended The London College of Printing in the 1960s. After leaving college he worked for a printing company in Germany for a year, before joining his father in business. Brian and his sister then went on to set up their own successful typesetting and graphics company, Anton Graphics, which was based in Andover.
In his earlier days Brian was an active sportsman, he played rugby, squash, enjoyed skiing and latterly dancing. Brian was keen to raise money for charity and played in several charitable rugby matches for “Ampersand”. These matches were between Printers and Publishers and usually held in Richmond, at the home of London Scottish Rugby Club. Many well known faces from the printing and publishing industry played in these matches. (Just imagine, the inimitable Leo Cooper playing at scrum half – a sight to behold!) Money was raised to fund and train Guide Dogs For The Blind Association, and over the years cheques were also presented to Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and other charities.
A few years later he met Helen, who was the love of his life. They were married in St. Bride’s Church, and after the service the newlyweds and guests processed along Fleet Street, led by a saxophonist and on to The Stationers Hall for the reception for over 150 people. A memorable and thoroughly enjoyable occasion.
Both Brian and Helen were keen sailors and often raced with The Royal Southampton Yacht Club, for whom he edited the weekly news bulletin.
Brian had a passion for print and design. He would constantly ‘read’ any document, looking for grammar, punctuation or spelling mistakes, often checking the menu when he dined out.
Brian was an all rounder, as well as being an academic, he had a wide range of interests. He was a Liveryman with The Stationers Company, a Freemason and also a Freeman of the City of London.
He was also a keen member of the Wynkyn de Worde Society and served on the committee between 2018 and 2020. He was proud of the fact that his surname was of Dutch origin, as was Wynkyn de Worde himself.
Brian and Helen attended several Wynkyn de Worde Summer excursions, along with luncheons and quiz nights. Unfortunately, ill health took its toll, and he found it increasingly difficult to make long journeys. He faced his declining health with great fortitude and certainly lived life to the full for as long as he was able.
His catch phrase was “Are we having fun yet?”
He will be greatly missed!