YEAR BY YEAR

2023

Chair ALISTAIR HALL

Vice-Chair PATRICIA STANKIEWICZ SOLOMON

Luncheon Secretary PAUL BENWELL

Deputy Luncheon Secretary SUE DUNK

Honorary Treasurer LYNDA BROCKBANK

Honorary Secretary ALISON GUY

Honorary Designer DAVID MARSHALL & ELIZABETH ELLIS

Honorary Publications Officer PAUL GUMN

The Committee JUSTIN HOBSON, MATT MCKENZIE, SUE BRADBURY, MARK JEFFREY, SEB LESTER

Charitable Trust COLIN McHENRY, MARTIN MORGAN, CATHERINE DIXON

SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

Luke Tonge & Daniel Alcorn

For our first talk of the year, Luke Tonge and Daniel Alcorn from Birmingham Design joined us in January for a Luncheon at Stationers’ Hall. They spoke with passion and energy about setting up and running the fantastic Birmingham Design Conference.

Keepsake
A lovely foldout menu designed by Honorary designers Elizabeth Ellis and David Marshall, featuring promotional posters created for the BDF.

Chris Riddell

The hugely talented illustrator, author, and political cartoonist Chris Riddell joined us in March at The Art Workers’ Guild. He did some fantastic live drawings as he recounted the fascinating story of his career.

Keepsake
I designed a tabloid newspaper of Chris Riddell’s favourite political cartoons from his 28 years at The Observer.

Elizabeth Ellis and David Marshall

Our Honorary Designers for the year spoke with joy and enthusiasm at our May Luncheon at Stationers’ Hall. The talked about the duality of running their letterpress studio, The Counter Press, and their graphic design practice, Counter Studio.

Keepsake
Elizabeth and David produced a beautifully crafted menu featuring a collection of Collective Nouns – all typeset and printed by hand.

Summer Outing

In July, 17 of us braved baking temperatures on the south coast to visit the brilliant Signs of the Seaside exhibition at Ditchling Museum of Art & Craft. We overnighted in Brighton before visiting the archives at the University of Brighton the next day. We had delicious food and drink and were joined for lunch by Matt Baxter, one of the Society’s previous speakers.

We ended the outing with a trip up the Brighton i360 for a birdseye view of the city. (Some members were later spotted riding the Galloping Horses on the seafront’s carousel – surely the sign of a good trip!)

Summer Party

Later that month we had our Summer Party at Stationers’ Hall, when fortunately it wasn’t quite as sweltering. It was a marvellously relaxed affair, with a brilliant book raffle for the Charitable Trust which raised over £500.

Chair’s Lunch

In August the Committee made its way across to east London, to visit London Centre for Book Arts, courtesy of members Simon Good and Ira Yonemura, who run the centre. We were given a tour and then tried our hands at hand-binding a concertina style booklet. We made our way around the corner for our meeting, and a delicious lunch, at Lanterna.

David Pearson

In September book cover designer David Pearson joined us at The Art Workers’ Guild, and gave us a hugely entertaining rundown of his career in books.

Keepsake
I put together an adaptation of one of Pearson’s John le Carré book covers.


The Quiz

In October we made our way to the St Bride Library for a magnificent and hugely enjoyable quiz. The wonderful Catherine Dixon set a brilliant array of entertaining and flumoxing questions, and the evening was hosted by the inimitable Colin McHenry, along with many other helpers. We raised nearly £400 for the Charitable Trust. Particular thanks to Catherine for going above and beyond and getting all the quiz materials to us despite having Covid.

Jon Gray and Jamie Keenan

In November we had our AGM at Stationers’ Hall, where book cover designers Jon Gray and Jamie Keenan gave us an enormously entertaining talk about their 10 Disputable Theories of Cover Design.

Keepsake
I designed a menu that doubled as a book jacket, listing Jon and Jamie’s 10 theories.

2022

Chair DEREK ALBISTON

Vice-Chair ALISTAIR HALL

Luncheon Secretary PAUL BENWELL

Deputy Luncheon Secretary SUE DUNK

Honorary Designer  HELEN EWING

Honorary Treasurer LYNDA BROCKBANK

Honorary Secretary ALISON GUY

Honorary Publications Officer PAUL GUMN

The Committee JUSTIN HOBSON, SUE BRADBURY,  PATRICIA STANKIEWICZ SOLOMON, LAUREN FULBRIGHT, MATT McKENZIE, PETER DANCKWERTS

Charitable Trust MARGARET HALL, STEPHEN BROUGH, COLIN MCHENRY

SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

After an enjoyable Christmas Party in the Humble Grape, Ron Grosset took us back 200 years ago to 1822, when George IV visited Edinburgh, guided by Sir Walter Scott; member John Mitchinson beguiled us with Laurence Sterne and his tales of Tristram Shandy.

John Mitchison talks about Laurence Sterne at The Art Workers’ Guild

Professor Alastair Mann gave Carol Kemp the welcome excuse to show off her creative skills again with the Jacobites ; and then James Boyle brought us back to Stationers’ with his tales of unlikely successes; Irene Friend taught us how to give voice to print at The Art Workers’ Guild.

Irene Friend at The Art Workers’ Guild

Is that Fake News? Tom Thomson informed us on that subject at the November Luncheon at Stationers’ Hall.

The Quiz

Chair’s team narrowly missed winning the Quiz when the Vice Chair’s team pipped them at the post.

The winning Awl or Nothing Team from London Book Arts, aided and abetted by Vice Chair Alistair Hall

Summer Outing

Our summer outing to Hull was a hoot 7. With thanks to G.F.Smith for hosting the start of our tour.

Members of the Society on the trip to Hull

2021

Chair PAUL HARPIN

Vice-Chair DEREK ALBISTON

Luncheon Secretary PAUL BENWELL

Honorary Designer  GEOFFREY WARING

Honorary Treasurer LYNDA BROCKBANK

Honorary Secretary ALISON GUY

Honorary Publications Officer PAUL GUMN

The Committee JUSTIN HOBSON, MATT McKENZIE, PETER DANCKWERTS, SUE DUNK, ALISTAIR HALL, PATRICIA STANKIEWICZ SOLOMON

Charitable Trust MARGARET HALL, STEPHEN BROUGH, COLIN MCHENRY

Honorary Archivist LEONARD CHAVE

SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

Due to Covid, most of our talks were restricted to Zoom seminars. and we had to cancel the quiz night. But despite this, there were highlights!

In January, on Zoom, Anne Braybon showed us through the amazing TOWN magazine, and the work of its art director Tom Wolsey. And I stepped in to describe NOVA magazine.

In March Peter Grundy, aka Grundini, showed us a selection of his 40 years of Information Graphic Design, and told us many charming and humorous anecdotes about his design life.

In June Matt Baxter and Dom Bailey of Brighton-based design consultancy Baxter & Bailey prepared an excellent A-Z of their work for us — which they describe as Design for Good.

In September Patrick Burgoyne entertained us with the Print Highlights of his twenty years in the Editor’s Chair of Creative Review magazine.

In November Amber Weaver told us all about Femme Type, her wonderful campaign to promote and support women who design type, and who work with type.


Favourite Memory

Simon Callow

Winning Martin de Morgan's Limerick competition and having 'the poem wot I wrote' read out loud by the one and only Simon Callow. The limerick:

“De Worde is mightier than the de sword”,

Deaf poet heard on travels abroad.”

Had he mis-heard? mis-wrote, absurd.

Mis-led, mis-spoke, ear trumpet erred:”

Make lead, melt sword, is Wynkyn's word.

Chair’s Lunch

I entertained the committee members at my home — my son Peter helped prepare and serve three curries — Goan fish curry, Sri Lankan lamb curry and Keralan cauliflower and pineapple curry.

Summer Outing

We visited Farley Farm and Gallery in East Sussex, brilliantly organised the previous year’s Chair Carol Kemp. She organised craftsmen and women to do demonstrations of their skills at her home and a visit to a local vineyard. Carol was helped on the day by the brilliant Sue Dunk.

My Paperweight

I would like to thank Lida Kindersley of the Cardozo Kindersley workshop for organising the carving of my Chairman’s commemorative paperweight, and especially Vincent Kindersley for doing such a wonderful job of the carving. “I will treasure this forever Vincent — it sits in prime position alongside my desk, and it has already been claimed for the future by one of my sons, Peter, who luckily shares my initials”.

2020

Chair CAROL KEMP

Vice-Chair PAUL HARPIN

Luncheon Secretary PAUL BENWELL

Honorary Treasurer LYNDA BROCKBANK

Honorary Secretary ALISON GUY

Honorary Designer HILL KEMP

Honorary Publications Officer PAUL GUMN

The committee SUE DUNK, JUSTIN HOBSON, DEREK ALBISTON, BRIAN VERSTAGE, SUE BRADBURY, MATT McKENZIE, PETER DANKWERTS

Charitable Trust

MARGARET HALL, COLIN McHENRY, STEPHEN BROUGH

SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

Carol Kemp reintroduced the printed newsletter de Worde as most of our talks and lunches could not take place due to the COVID 19 lockdowns

Carol Kemp reintroduced the printed newsletter de Worde as most of our talks and lunches could not take place due to the COVID 19 lockdowns

ANTONY PENROSE - The Road is Wider than Long

The son of celebrated photographer and model Lee Miller and painter, photographer and founder of the ICA, Sir Roland Penrose, gave an illustrated talk at Stationers’ Hall about his father’s book.

The menu was printed by Typecast Colour Ltd, Fenner Paper supplied the paper and designed by Hill Kemp.

SIMON ESTERSON and JOHN L. WALTERS – Eye 100

Art Director and Editor spoke about Eye, the international magazine of graphic design and it’s 100th issue

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ALISTAIR HALL - London Street Signs

Alistair spoke about his recently published book, London Street Signs, A visual history of London’s street nameplates.

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Favourite Memory

Making balloon hats for the past chairmen to wear at the Christmas Party at the Cello Factory and dancing to the Colours of Jazz; Laurie Benwell playing the saxophone. Becky’s brilliant quizzes where I often got the giggles with the Zoom antics. Simon Callow reading out the Limerick competition winners.

The book of 100,000 Limericks was created by Martin Morgan and designed by Paul Harpin. The sliced pages made a limerick multiplier.

The book of 100,000 Limericks was created by Martin Morgan and designed by Paul Harpin. The sliced pages made a limerick multiplier.

Quiz Night

During the lockdowns we had three quizzes, orchestrated by Becky Chilcott - thanks Becky.

Assorted members at the November AGM on Zoom

2019

Chair MARTIN MORGAN

Vice-Chair CAROL KEMP

Luncheon Secretary PAUL BENWELL

Honorary Designer  PAUL HARPIN

Honorary Treasurer LYNDA BROCKBANK

Honorary Secretary ALISON GUY

Honorary Publications Officer PAUL GUMN

The committee DEREK ALBISTON, SUE BRADBURY, ALISTAIR HALL, MATT MCKENZIE, BRIAN VERSTAGE

SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

In November 2019, Andrew Johnston talked about the life and times of his grandfather Edward Johnston

In November 2019, Andrew Johnston talked about the life and times of his grandfather Edward Johnston

I decided that mine would be the year of the book - hence…

ROB SHEPHERD - The Great Omar

Stationers’ Hall Jan 24th ROB SHEPHERD of Shepherds Bookbinders spoke about the Great Omar. ‘Softly spoken and fascinating about the most beautiful binding ever’

Our March 2019 guest speaker was Rob Shepherd Managing Director of Shepherds, Sangorski and Sutcliffe. As a book dealer, restorer and teacher, Rob set up Shepherds in 1988, conserving a tradition of fine binding, gilding and gold finishing going bac…

Our March 2019 guest speaker was Rob Shepherd Managing Director of Shepherds, Sangorski and Sutcliffe. As a book dealer, restorer and teacher, Rob set up Shepherds in 1988, conserving a tradition of fine binding, gilding and gold finishing going back over years. The Great Omar is, rightly, an obsession of his.

ADAM DOUGLAS - Fraud, Forgery and Fakery

Artworkers’ Guild 19 March

ADAM DOUGLAS of Harringtons on Fraud Forgery and Fakery in the Book Trade. ‘Speaker of the year who held the audience riveted - cut short by timing’

AARON ARCHER - The Future of Printing

Stationers’ Hall 16 May

AARON ARCHER from Pureprint on the Future of Printing

SUMMER PARTY at Stationers’ Hall

Stationers’ Hall 18 July - Book sale and a guitar band.

‘Fabulous guitar band who made Lynda cry – Game of Thrones a highlight’

PROFESSOR FRED DEAKIN on The Future

Tuesday 17 September - Evening reception at The Artworkers’ Guild

ANDREW JOHNSTON on the Johnston font

Stationers’ Hall 21 November

‘Andrew told us EVERYTHING he possibly could about his grandfather Johnston’s life’

Keepsakes and menus

19 March A leather bound W de W notebook and a book mark (Eichi)

16 May   A placemat printed on the Pureprint random design generator

21 November  A list of Oulipolian proverbs; printed by one Matt McKenzie

Placemats of the FULLY-BOOKED MANIFESTO plus the little leporello book INSIDE OF A DOG designed by Paul Harpin and made by the Chair

Menus were produced for every lunch; almost everything was designed by Paul Harpin and while I knew from the very beginning that his was work of the highest order, I really had no idea until the end of the year just what a huge amount of startling creativity he had produced. I was embarrassed about just how much I had asked him to do and should like to publicly apologise in this forum – sorry Paul. Almost all the paper was from Fenner’s - thank you Justin.

Favourite Memory

Pretty much any committee meetings; Lynda listening to the guitar band; Paul Benwell realising he had forgotten to book the Artworkers’ Guild.

Chair’s Lunch

SADLY CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS, although I did manage to produce a limited edition leporello book THE LITTLE BOOK OF COMMITTEES essentially as a stalking horse for my final keepsake

Summer Outing

On 15 August to the Getty Library and Gardens at Wormsley.

‘Perhaps the most beautiful collection of books I have ever seen’ I WAS TOO BUSY TRYING NOT TO LOSE ANY MEMBERS!

Quiz Night

We had one of Becky’s brilliant Quiz Night’s – I had put together a team of civilians for the very first one and they have insisted on coming to every single one since because they are so clever and so much fun – All hail the Beckster!

My paperweight

Breathtaking! I love it to bits– letter cut Martin Morgan (arranged in a way I have never thought of despite being brought up to write italic and bugger about with monograms and generally waste time doodling). Above my name is a classic sun curving round the top edge of the stone and onto the base. On the base there is a clever pun on my initials and W de W arranged with the date in Roman numerals. When we came out of the AGM, the Cardozo Kindersley Workshop had arranged cards depicting the weight down the centre of each table – which, while lovely, made it look like my memorial lunch! I see from the card that the work was done by Emily Bunton, who is evidently hugely talented as apparently she was only half way through her 3-year apprenticeship.

We created ninety-one individual place mat designs for the May luncheon using Pureprint’s Mosaic randomiser printing system

We created ninety-one individual place mat designs for the May luncheon using Pureprint’s Mosaic randomiser printing system

2018

Chair JUSTIN HOBSON

Vice-Chair MARTIN MORGAN

Luncheon Secretary PAUL BENWELL

Honorary Designer  PAUL HARPIN

Honorary Treasurer ROBIN SMEETON

Honorary Secretary ALISON GUY

Honorary Publications PAUL GUMN

Others on the committee that year PAUL BENWELL, SUE BRADBURY, ALISTAIR HALL, PAUL HARPIN, CAROL KEMP, MATT MCKENZIE, BRIAN VERSTAGE

Others who attended committee meetings, but who may not technically have been committee members

Webmaster PETER DANKWERTS

Honorary Archivist LEONARD CHAVE

SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

In January 2018, Abram Games’ daughter Naomi talked about her father’s typographic work

In January 2018, Abram Games’ daughter Naomi talked about her father’s typographic work

NAOMI GAMES on Abram Games, Designs with Type

Tuesday 25 January - Luncheon at Stationers’ Hall

A talk by Abram Games’ daughter, Naomi, that focussed on his typographic designs for his incredible posters.

WE LOVE MAGAZINES — JEREMY LESLIE

Tuesday 20 March - Evening reception at The Artworkers’ Guild

Jeremy Leslie leads the magCulture studio, dividing his time between designing, consulting and writing.

He is a passionate advocate for editorial design, which he sees as an ever-changing discipline that has always adapted to new contexts.

MICHAEL JOHNSON - Johnson Banks & other stories

Thursday 17 May - Luncheon at Stationers’ Hall

Michael Johnson is the founder and creative director of Johnson Banks. As well as running a very successful and globally-recognised consultancy; he has written two books, been Chairman of D&AD; and an external examiner and visiting lecturer for numerous universities.

Summer Party at Stationers’ Hall

Thursday 19 July - Oranges and lemons cocktails at our Members-Only Barbecue, in the garden at Stationers' Hall.

LUKE GIFFORD —Like Never Before

Tuesday 18 September - Evening reception at The Artworkers’ Guild

A talk by Luke Gifford about his designs for the brand identity of the 2012 London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

STEWART DREW - De La Warr Pavilion

Thursday 15 November - Luncheon at Stationers’ Hall

Our guest speaker, Director and CEO of the
De La Warr Pavilion Charitable Trust, told the story of the iconic modernist seaside pavilion

Linocut by Paul Harpin to accompany a talk by Stewart Drew director and chief executive of the De La Warr Pavilion

Linocut by Paul Harpin to accompany a talk by Stewart Drew director chief executive of the De La Warr Pavilion

Summer Outing

BERLIN - 21st and 22nd June 2018

Our visit to Berlin was hosted by Professor Erik Spiekermann, who gave us a 3-hour guided tour of the city. On the first day, after a light Lunch at local restaurant in Potsdammer Platz we visited the Kunstgewerbemuseum. On the second day we had a tour of P98A — Erik Spiekermann’s Gallery and Letterpress workshop..

Our summer outing was a trip to Berlin, where we visited the  print studio, gallery and office of Erik Spiekermann

Our summer outing was a trip to Berlin, where we visited the print studio, gallery and office of Erik Spiekermann

2017

Chair MARGARET WILLES

Vice-Chair JUSTIN HOBSON

Luncheon Secretary PAUL BENWELL

Honorary Designer ROB BANHAM

Honorary Treasurer ROBIN SMEETON

Honorary Secretary ALISON GUY

Honorary Publications Officer PAUL GUMN

Committee MATT MACKENZIE, SUE BRADBY, PETER DANCKWERTS, LEONARD CHAVE, PAUL HARPIN, CATHERINE DIXON, PHILIP MOORE, STEPHEN BROUGH, MARTIN MORGAN

SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

60th anniversary year

Paperweight by Jeremy Scott an apprentice at the Cardozo Kindersley Workshop, to celebrate 60 years of The Wynkyn de Worde Society — and presented as a gift of thanks to the society's outgoing Chair Margaret Willes.

Paperweight by Jeremy Scott an apprentice at the Cardozo Kindersley Workshop, to celebrate 60 years of The Wynkyn de Worde Society — and presented as a gift of thanks to the society's outgoing Chair Margaret Willes.

26 January - Buffet luncheon and raffle at Stationers’ Hall

The first lunch in 2017 was an informal one, with jazz from Mrs Paul Benwell and Monday Jazz. Jeremy Tankard and Catherine Dixon in conversation

21 March - ‘The surprise of history in contemporary typeface design’.

2017 was the 60th anniversary of the WdeW Society, and Jeremy was asked to design a new typeface to mark the occasion

London Transport Museum Depot

4 April - Members only outing



Jerry White - Grub Street & the Marshalsea Prison, 1700-1842

18 May - Stationers’ Hall

Talk about ‘Grub Street & the Marshalsea Prison’

Summer outing

1 June - Magdalen Old Library and University of Oxford Botanic Garden

The summer outing was in Oxford. I gave a brief talk about the Botanic Garden, and we had a visit to the Old Library at Magdalen where we were shown 17th-century botanic books and documents and other treasures. We then punted upriver to the Boathouse Restaurant for dinner.

Members only buffet luncheon

20 July - at Stationers’ Hall



GEORGE GOODWIN - Benjamin Franklin

19 September - Artworkers’ Guild

‘Benjamin Franklin, Britain’s greatest renaissance man, America’s founding father, but foremost a printer’



MICHAEL HESELTINE - 60th Anniversary Luncheon

16 November - at Stationers’ Hall

The speaker at the formal celebration of the 60th anniversary was the Rt Hon Michael Heseltine (below). I was too nervous to remember what he said, but he did talk about his career as a publisher, as well as his opposition to Brexit. 

Michael Heselltine, publisher, was guest speaker for our 60th AGM

Michael Heselltine, publisher, was guest speaker for our 60th AGM


Justin Hobson provided the paper. Rob Banham did the designs for the keepsakes and menus.


Favourite memory

Trying to herd Wynkyn de Worders into the punts during our summer outing to Oxford. Cats would have been easier!

Chair’s lunch

At my home.


Quiz night

We held the second quiz night at St Bride’s


My paperweight

A lovely heavy disk with the year and Wynkyn de Worde round the edge, and a golden sun on top.

2016

Chair BECKY CHILCOTT

Vice-Chair MARGARET WILLES

Luncheon secretary PAUL BENWELL

Honorary designer There wasn’t one designer, Becky had many: Seb Lester, Ness Wood, Rob Banham, Jeremy Tankard, Carol Kemp, Catherine Dixon, Alistair Hall, Sara Chapman

Honorary treasurer ROBIN SMEETON 

Honorary secretary ALISON GUY

Honorary publications officer PAUL GUMN

Committee SUE BRADBURY, CATHERINE DIXON, PAUL HARPIN, JUSTIN HOBSON, MATT MCKENZIE, MARTIN MORGAN

Honorary Archivist LEONARD CHAVE

Website PETER DANCKWERTS


 

SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

Becky organised a fantastic committee visit to St Brides (where she is a very active organiser of their events) to see hidden gems in their archive and to visit the print room and library

Becky organised a fantastic committee visit to St Brides (where she is a very active organiser of their events) to see hidden gems in their archive and to visit the print room and library

We started off 2016 with a buffet luncheon in January where we celebrated 400 years since Shakespeare’s death and were serenaded by The Bookshop Band. We also held our annual book raffle to raise funds for the Charitable Trust. The keepsake for this luncheon was a postcard with gold foiling on black paper designed by Seb Lester, paper supplied by G.F. Smith and printed by Benwells. 

In March, we were joined by fellow Member, Catherine Dixon at the Artworkers’ Guild where she shared her adventures in letterpress around Brazil with us. A keepsake was produced citing Paul Stiff ’s dogmas, designed and typeset by Rob Banham, with paper supplied by G F Smith. Printed by F E Burman.

At the May Luncheon, author Mark Forsyth took us on a verbal tour of London’s contribution to language. The menu, white ink printed on acetate was designed by Becky Chilcott, printed by F.E.Burman.

In July, a band of merry Members went mad in Dorset with a two day trip to Sherborne and Stourhead Gardens. A keepsake was designed and produced by Jeremy Tankard for the summer outing.

At the Summer Party where we sold a collection of John Woodcock prints in conjunction with the Edward Johnston Foundation to raise money for the Charitable Trust. And Carol Kemp hand lettered pebbles with each Member’s names for the keepsake. 

In September, Danny Braverman shared the story of his great uncle Ab’s life which was documented illustratively on 3000 wage packets from 1926 to 1982. A keepsake was designed by Catherine Dixon to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Johnston typeface and printed by Phil Abel at Hand & Eye. 

In October, we held the first of the annual Wynkyn de Worde Quiz at the St Bride Foundation to raise funds for our Anniversary Year. It was a roaring success we raised almost £800 which is a fantastic amount. 

And in November we were meant to be joined by Roald Dahl’s official biographer, Donald Sturrock to celebrate the great author’s centenary – but due to unforseen circumstances, he was unable to attend and a selection of Roald’s Childhood letters were read out by the marvellous Colin McHenry. Prior to the luncheon members were treated to multicoloured drinks of frobscottle (as drunk by The BFG). The menu was designed and printed by Becky Chilcott at the St Bride Library with the fantastic help of Mick Clayton and St Bride Print Workshop with paper and envelopes supplied by John Purcell Paper. 

The Christmas Party was held at the Royal Automobile Club with a star turn by Carol Kemp doing some stand-up comedy. 

The Member’s Booklet was designed by Sara Chapman, printed by Benwells with paper supplied by Fenner Paper.  

 

Jeremy Tankard generously designed for us a new italic typeface, De Worde, with funds going to our charitable trust

Jeremy Tankard generously designed for us a new italic typeface, De Worde, with funds going to our charitable trust

The type sampler for De Worde was designed by Alistair Hall

The type sampler for De Worde was designed by Alistair Hall

We commissioned Jeremy Tankard to design the De Worde typeface in my year with the specimen designed by Alistair Hall – paper supplied by Fenner and (I think) printed by Benwells. 

Favourite memory

The whole year was wonderful – it was such a pleasure being Chair and making the year my own, but I do remember the joy I felt when I handed over the book to Margaret and could sit back and relax! I’m not sure I can remember any funny stories, I think I may have been too merry to pay too much attention!

Chair’s lunch and tour of St. Brides 

I had a Chair’s lunch at Vinoteca in Farringdon. Afterwards, we were treated to a tour of the St Bride Library, given by Bob Richardson and Mick Clayton. 

My paperweight

My chair's keepsake is flat and rectangular with a sun in the top left corner and crescent moon on the back in the same place with the moon forming the C of my BC initials with the date carved too.

2015

Chair PAUL HASLAM

Vice-Chair BECKY CHILCOTT

Luncheon secretary PAUL BENWELL

Honorary designer ROB BANHAM

Honorary treasurer ROBIN SMEETON

Honorary secretary ALISON GUY

Honorary publications officer PAUL GUMN

 

SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

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A superb menu was designed by Alistair Hall for Michael Burman’s polemical talk about the future of print. Each guest had their individual name on their menu

A superb menu was designed by Alistair Hall for Michael Burman’s polemical talk about the future of print. Each guest had their individual name on their menu

January – Martyn Eustace – Two sides -  Talk about the environmental sustainability of print and paper – The Menu was a rather Unique Traumathope

March  - Daniel Mason – Talk about his work wioth Joy Division and other such great Luminaries – A foiled a5 card with Joy Division artwork

May – Michael Burman – Printing: sunrise or sunset?'

'Some thoughts about where we have been and where we are now in the hope of drawing some conclusions as to where we are going

Invitation to Lawrence Zeegan’s talk by Alistair Hall

Invitation to Lawrence Zeegan’s talk by Alistair Hall

Sep – Prof Lawrence Zeegan  - History of ladybird books – each member was given  an original ladybird book with a foiled WDW Logo on the front cover

Nov – Nick Newman – story of the Wipers Times,  WW1 newspaper printed in the trenches ,  we produced a replica copy of wipers times, printed by Matt Mckenzie, designed by Alistair Hall 

Alistair Hall and Matt McKenzie’s replica of the Wipers (Ypres) Times trench newspaper

Alistair Hall and Matt McKenzie’s replica of the Wipers (Ypres) Times trench newspaper




Keepsakes were printed by Benwells, paper by Fenner and GF Smith , designs by Alistair hall



Favourite memory

The restaurant manager on our trip to the Lake District plying me with Grappa was a personal Highlight. Arriving 30 mins late for my AGM to hand over to Becky was a lowlight!

 

Chair's lunch

Our House,.

Paul kindly entertained the 2015 committee at his home

Paul kindly entertained the 2015 committee at his home

Summer outing

Lake district. Cropper Paper Mill, Brantwood house, John Ruskins House and Museum, Blackwells arts and crafts House and a delightful lake Windermere booze cruise.

2014

Chair JEREMY TANKARD

Vice Chair PAUL HASLAM

Luncheon secretary JUDITH BASTIN

Honorary Designer BECKY CHILCOTT

Additional design from Dale Tomlinson (The Members’ Handbook), Carol Kemp, Eiichi Kono, John Miles, James Alexander, Catherine Dixon, Phil Abel, and Nick Gill.

Honorary treasurer  ROBIN SMEETON

Honorary secretary ALISON GUY

Honorary publications officer PAUL GUMN

Committee DAVID GADSBY, CAROL KEMP, MARTIN MORGAN, JOHN PARFITT, MARGARET WILLES

Hon Archivist LEONARD CHAVE

de Worde Editor PATRICK BRITTAIN

Web Master PETER DANCKWERTS

SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

Carol Kemp produced a calligraphic keepsake of ‘Robin Hood and the Tanner’ for the 2014 Summer Party that was sung by minstrel Dante Ferrara

Carol Kemp produced a calligraphic keepsake of ‘Robin Hood and the Tanner’ for the 2014 Summer Party that was sung by minstrel Dante Ferrara

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23 January

Dan Rhatigan The infancy of the Monotype Library

We gathered and listened to Dan Rhatigan, Type Director at Monotype. Dan spoke to us about the early typefaces produced by Monotype. Illustrations of early Monotype fonts were used in Becky Chilcott’s menu design.

The keepsake was a Monotype drawing print AND a lump of lead cast by Hand and Eye, stuck on to a gold card printed by Hand and Eye Letterpress, Phil Abel, and Nick Gill.

Monotype drawing image was provided by Dan Rhatigan, printed by Westerham, Paper supplied by RK Burt & Co.

JanuaryMenu.jpg

 

8 March

Alistair Hall Clients from Hell

At the Art Workers’ Guild we heard Alistair Hall to about his work for the Ministry of Stories. A truly inspirational project in all respects.

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Attendees received a bar of Ministry of Stories chocolate

Attendees received a bar of Ministry of Stories chocolate

15 May

Mark Ovenden London Underground by Design

In May, the author Mark Ovenden presented an enthusiastic insight to the design of the London Underground. That day our tables were coloured and named as tube lines and we were passengers taken on a journey around one of our great design icons. 

Eiichi Kono designed a keepsake for te Ovenden talk

Eiichi Kono designed a keepsake for te Ovenden talk

17 July

Members’ Garden Party with minstrel Dante Ferrara

At the Members’ Garden Party on 17 July we joined Dante Ferrara, our minstrel for the day, in a rendition of ‘Robin Hood and the Tanner’. We also remembered our much-loved past Treasurer, Roy Fullick. Roy was responsible for much of the Society’s current success and is greatly missed. In memory, Roy’s family generously donated a bottle of one of his favourite wines to all who attended. 

 

16 September

Sam Winston Exploring the written word in a visual world

We were back at the Art Workers’ Guild on 16 September to see and hear about Sam Winston’s type-inspired artworks. 

 

20 November

Robert Green Reviving the Doves Type

Following the AGM on 20 November we listened to Robert Green talking about his revival of the infamous Doves Type. And he chose that day to show some of the actual type he rescued from the bottom of the River Thames.

Membership booklet was printed by Benwells, Paper by Fenner, Photos by Philip Moore, Design by Dale Tomlinson

For print we used The Lavenham Press, Benwells, Westerham, and Hand & Eye Letterpress, 

For paper: John Purcell, GF Smith, Fenner Paper, and RK Burt & Co.

Favourite memory

Eating, drinking and having fun


Chair's lunch

Yes, in Cambridge at Windyridge


Quiz night

I think there was a tie in the St Bride quiz?


My Paperweight

Letter cut italic JT with flourishes (the J and the T bear a serif on only one side of their main stem!)

2013

Chair LYNDA BROCKBANK

Vice Chair JEREMY TANKARD

Luncheon secretary JUDITH BASTIN

Honorary Designer LYNDA BROCKBANK

Honorary treasurer ROBIN SMEETON

Honorary secretary ALISON GUY

Honorary publications officer PAUL GUMN

Committee BECKY CHILCOTT, PAUL HASLAM, DAVID GADSBY, CAROL KEMP, JOHN PARFITT, LIONEL PARKER

Hon Archivist LEONARD CHAVE

Web Master PETER DANCKWERTS

 

SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

Memories of the 2013 summer outing to Dublin — Guinness!!

Memories of the 2013 summer outing to Dublin — Guinness!!

24 January

Nicholas Friend Politics and the printed image – from Hogarth and Gilray to Scarfe and Riddell


19 March

Dr Rosamund Bartlett How Chekhov took on Tolstoy – a David and Goliath story.

The keepsake was an engraved shot glass (vodka toast to Tolstoy and Chekhov)


16 May

Jonathan Meades This font is hostile… that font is your friend’ On handwriting, antipathy to slab serif (Stymie), mistrust of copperplate, and discovery of Mistral.


16 July
Roger Eno Music: accordion in the garden and piano at lunch. Book costume promenade by students.

At this event in 2013 we had first alphabet typeface card keepsake.

The first Wynkyn de Worde Society alphabet card ‘A for Albertus’ was designed by John Miles, and they have been distributed to collect at our lunches over the last few years

The first Wynkyn de Worde Society alphabet card ‘A for Albertus’ was designed by John Miles, and they have been distributed to collect at our lunches over the last few years

17 September

Alice Rawsthorn

‘Hello World: where design meets life’

Designing is a basic human instinct – an attitude, not a profession


21 November

Terry Waite

‘Language and survival in solitude’

The keepsake was ’Solitude’, printed by Peter White, Bouncing Acre Press

Keepsakes.jpg
Keepsakes from Lynda Brockbank’s year as Chair

Keepsakes from Lynda Brockbank’s year as Chair

Menus were designed by Lynda Brockbank

Shot glasses keepsake engraved by Lynda Brockbank

‘Solitude’ keepsake for the last lunch where Terry Waite was the speaker designed and printed by Peter White, Bouncing Acre Press

 

Menus were printed by Lavenham Press on Omnia Natural from Fenner Paper 

Benwells, on Plike White by GF Smith

Menu printed on grey board. Cartoon on the reverse by Barry Fantoni from ‘Taken on Trust’ by Terry Waite.


Favourite memory

Dublin: dinner at Clonskeagh Castle with Irish musicians and our singing; members swimming at the Forty Foot, Trinity Library Archives talk; following Joyce in the pouring rain; seeing and hearing about the 'Proclamation of the Irish Republic’* at the National Print Museum. 

*Proclamation of the Irish Republic, regarded as Ireland’s most famous piece of printed ephemera. Printed secretly on a Wharfedale stop cylinder press, at Liberty Hall, Dublin. 

And

Terry Waite: you could have heard a pin drop while he read his poems

 

Chair's lunch

We had Dinner at my studio in Perseverance Works, Shoreditch, preceded by drinks on the roof and ended with the ‘Library of Chance’.

 

Summer Outing

DUBLIN

Thursday 20 June to Sunday 23 June 2013

We stayed at Trinity in student rooms.

20 June Private Tour of Chester Beatty Library – fine Qur’an bindings and Persian manuscript collection

Private visit to National Print Museum. Press and binding machinery. Ephemera including the Proclamation of the Irish Republic

21 June Private visit to Trinity College Library Archives

Followed by visit to the Library and Book of Kells exhibit

Private visit to Archbishop Marsh’s Library and garden

Practise writing with a quill

22 June Private visit to the Joyce Centre

Guided circular Joyce walk

Coach to Joyce’s Tower talk and climb and option to swim in the Forty Foot

Clonskeagh Castle Dinner (organic and plants-based) with musical performances

23 June Private view of Writers’ Museum

Lunch in Hugh Lane Gallery

Visit to Francis Bacon studio installation

I have a splendid casebound book of the outing made by members:

Photography: Philip Moore with Colin Dunn, David Gadsby, Alison Guy, Roy Millington, Terry Shapland, Leo Smith

Design: Colin Dunn

Printed and bound by Bookbinders of London on Mowhawk Superfine Eggshell

I have the printed itinerary, the Clonskeagh Castle dinner menu – and members printed keepsakes at the National Print Museum.

 

Extra events

A ‘grand treats not trickery’ party at the Artworkers’ Guild, with pumpkin competition.

A private tour of St Paul’s Library and Triforium with Librarian, Joe Wisdom, followed by Evensong in the choir.

A private view of the ‘Victoriana’ exhibition at the Guildhall Art Gallery with Curator Sonia Solicari.

 

2012

Chair COLIN DUNN

Vice Chair LYNDA BROCKBANK

Luncheon secretary JUDITH BASTIN

Honorary Designer JEREMY TANKARD

Honorary treasurer ROBIN SMEETON

Honorary secretary ALISON GUY

Honorary publications officer PAUL GUMN

Committee JUDITH BASTIN, PATRICK BRITTAIN, BECKY CHILCOTT, PAUL HASLAM, DAVID GADSBY, CAROL KEMP, JOHN PARFIT

LEONARD CHAVE (in attendance)
PETER DANCKWERTS (in attendance)
JEREMY TANKARD (in attendance)

SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

Keepsakes & menus from Colin Dunn’s year as chair in 2012

Keepsakes & menus from Colin Dunn’s year as chair in 2012


Christine Ferdinand – The Honest Debtor, the Reckless Insolvent, and the Rogue: Three Booktrade Bankrupts

There was no keepsake (in keeping with the theme of the talk)

The menu was copperplate script by Gerald Fleuss with prison-grub translations by Jeremy Tankard

Rosemary Wise – Drawn to plants: The art of botanical illustration. Keepsake was an A6 folded card with one of Rosemary’s botanical illustrations

Peter Ainsworth – Shadow Man: manuscript production in 15th-century Paris

The menu was in a Burgundian fortress style

Keepsake was Lyrics of Jacques Brel’s, Madeleine (designed by Catherine Dixon)

Garden Party and Tour of Stationers’ Hall (The first of these members-only events)

Daniel Chehade – Alan Fletcher’s colophon

David M Wilson – Imaging the Antarctic: the legacy of Captain Scott

Kindred Spirit bottle.jpg

Commemorative expedition biscuits, miniature bottles of port and brandy (labels designed by Carol Kemp) and a tin of pilchards for the menu (labels designed by Jeremy Tankard)

Favourite memory of your time as chair? Any funny stories?

How long have you got?

Chair's lunch
Yes. Mill Cottage (The Honorary Secretary’s estate)

Summer outing
Yes. The Whittington Press. We got inky fingers. Cast a 72pt ‘W’ in Caslon. Mooched around the Court. Visited Jenny Randall’s fabric printing workshop. Had a picnic.

Extra events

A guided tour of the exhibition, Royal Manuscripts: The Genius of Illumination, at the British Library

Summer Outing keepsake was a lead W and bespoke print

Summer Outing keepsake was a lead W and bespoke print

 

IN DETAIL: COLIN DUNN wrote in deWorde, our society newsletter — During my year as Chairman, it was noted that the Society’s stock of presentation wine glasses was dwindling. Although the embarrassment of being unable to bestow one upon a guest Spea…

IN DETAIL: COLIN DUNN wrote in deWorde, our society newsletter — During my year as Chairman, it was noted that the Society’s stock of presentation wine glasses was dwindling. Although the embarrassment of being unable to bestow one upon a guest Speaker was unlikely to present itself, there was a pressing need to order a new batch. As the existing style was no longer available, the Committee members were tasked with choosing a different style of glass, and it was also felt that a new design might be appropriate.

Appropriately or not, I was ‘commissioned’ to produce the new design, and have subsequently been asked to provide a few words for de Worde with which to explain myself. Specifically, “how you approached the design given the limitations of the glass etc etc”. Limitations were indeed limiting. The design had to fit within an area of 260 mm x 24 mm, and this narrow band was to be positioned close to the top of the glass where the surface was relatively flat.

My strategy, as with most design projects, was to afford it all due respect and approach it stealthily, out of eye-shot, armed with a big stick. The starting point for the lettering was a copy of Chronicles of England that Wynkyn de Worde produced in 1520 using Caxton’s type (pictured above). The intention was to incorporate features of the typeforms whilst trying to ensure that the letterforms did not appear too closely tied to these historical forms. It is hoped that this conveys the sense of a society that is far from antiquated.

Wynkyn de Worde engraved wine glass — a gift to speakers

Wynkyn de Worde engraved wine glass — a gift to speakers

Colin’s design for the wine glass engraving

Colin’s design for the wine glass engraving

2011

Chair GRAHAM BECK

Vice-Chair COLIN DUNN

Luncheon secretary JUDITH BASTIN

Honorary Designer JEREMY TANKARD

Honorary treasurer ROBIN SMEETON

Honorary secretary ALISON GUY

Honorary publications officer PAUL GUMN

Committee JUDITH BASTIN, PATRICK BRITTAIN, LYNDA BROCKBANK, GERALD FLEUSS, DAVID GADSBY, CAROL KEMP, JOHN PARFIT

LEONARD CHAVE (in attendance)
PETER DANCKWERTS (in attendance)
PATRICK BRITTAIN (De Worde editor)

SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

The High Grove Florilegium was discussed by Henrietta Pearson and Nigel Frith in March 2011

The High Grove Florilegium was discussed by Henrietta Pearson and Nigel Frith in March 2011

Thursday 27 January Lunch at Stationers’ Hall

Jeremy Musson The country house in words


Thursday 17 March Evening reception Artworkers’ Guild

Henrietta Pearson with Nigel Frith

The Highgrove Florilegium


Thursday 19 May Lunch at Stationers’ Hall

Bevis Hillier How to get on in biography


Thursday 21 July January Luncheon at Stationers’ Hall

Professoer Michael Wheeler

The making of the King James Bible. At the event their was a pre-lunch exhibition about the Bible at Stationers’ Hall; and an afternoon visit to the Lambeth Palace Library exhibition hosted by Wynkyn de Worde Society member Giles Mandelbrote, the librarian there.


Summer Outing September

Cambridge

Visited Corpus Christi College — The Parker Library, Taylor Library and the Cardozo Kindersley Workshop


Thursday 15 September Evening reception Artworkers’ Guild

Gary Holt Olympics and designs


Thursday 12 July November Luncheon at Stationers’ Hall

Jill Paton Walsh On the future of the printed book


Chairman’s lunch

Loch Fyne restaurant Cambridge


Monday 12 December Christmas Party at The Artworkers’ Guild

With carols, accompanied by the Chairman on portable keyboard piano/organ

Honorary Members

Maurits Enschedé, Margaret Hall OBE RDI, Elliot Offner,, Herman Zapf HON RDI

Honorary Fellows

Leonard Chave, Gabrielle Falkiner, Gay Fullick, Roy Fullick, Lida Lopez Cardozo

2010

Chair JAMES ALEXANDER

Vice Chair GRAHAM BECK

Luncheon secretary JUDITH BASTIN

Honorary designer CATHERINE DIXON

Honorary treasurer ROBIN SMEETON

Honorary secretary ALISON GUY

Honorary publications officer PAUL GUMN

Committee LYNDA BROCKBANK, COLIN DUNN, GERALD FLEUSS, JOHN PARFITT, PATRICK BRITTAIN, PETER DANCKWERTS, JUDITH BASTIN, LEONARD CHAVE, CATHERINE DIXON, CAROL KEMP, COLIN MCHENRY

SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

A menu for Deyan Sudjic’s talk designed by Catherine Dixon

A menu for Deyan Sudjic’s talk designed by Catherine Dixon

Deyan Sudjic, Design Museum spoke on the Language of Things based on his book of the same name. The keepsake was a transcript booklet designed by James Alexander, and printed by Phil Abel, Hand and Eye Press. The menu was designed by Catherine Dixon


Dominic Lippa, Pentagram

Dominic brought copies of Pentagram books to give away


Giles Mandlebrote, spoke on Lambeth Palace Library 1610 -2010 The first 400 years. Keepsake was a booklet on Lambeth Palace designed by James Alexander, and printed by John Parfitt. The menu was designed by Catherine Dixon


Dave Wakefied, 23 Press

Letterpress type specimen keepsake designed and printed by Dave Wakefield


Frances Spalding, spoke on John and Myfanwy Piper based on her book of the same name. The menu was designed by Catherine Dixon


Simon Garfield, spoke on Just My Type based on his book of the same name. The menu was designed by Catherine Dixon

Favourite memory

My daughter was born at Kings as dawn broke on the day of the May lunch. I remember thinking, through my sleep deprivation, that I could still make it to the studio, pick up the keepsakes and make it to Stationers’ Hall by 12 noon. Sanity prevailed and Graham Beck and Robin Smeeton stood in for me. I believe that the suggestion is for her to come to a lunch on her 18th birthday to celebrate. Less than 7 years to go. One other thing springs to mind which is that the Society produced a wonderful book to commemorate the death of Peter Guy which was designed by John Miles.


Chairman's lunch

The Punch and Judy Fleet Street.

Summer outing

Typographic bus tour. We hired a Routemaster bus and took a journey round London with a commentary by Phil Baines and Catherine Dixon. Ending at Doggett’s Coat and Badge pub on the south bank for a buffet.

Christmas Party

Held at the Artworkers‘ Guild?


My Paperweight

Slate cube about 8cm. Deeply cut with sun and initials "JA", gilded.

2009

Chair PETER DANCKWERTS

Vice-Chair JAMES ALEXANDER

Luncheon secretary JUDITH BASTIN

Honorary designer CATHERINE DIXON

Honorary treasurer ROBIN SMEETON

Honorary secretary ALISON GUY

Honorary publications officer PAUL GUMN

SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

Menu designed by Catherine Dixon for a talk by Joan Winterkorn

Menu designed by Catherine Dixon for a talk by Joan Winterkorn

Sir David Eady (High Court Judge) – Defamation

Prof. Michele Brown – A medieval MS

Martin Frost – Fore edge painting

Patrick Scrivenor (writer and gamekeeper)

Catherine also designed and typeset the menu for the Scrivenor talk

Catherine also designed and typeset the menu for the Scrivenor talk

Joan Winterkorn (MS expert), Bernard Quaritch

Favourite memory

The thing which really impressed me was Alison Guy’s invaluable help

 

Chair's lunch

Held at Dogget’s Coat and Badge

 

Summer outing

Merton College, Oxford. The library and grounds

Christmas Party

Yes

 

My Paperweight

A slate cube incised with the WdeW emblem, ’09' and my initials.

2008

Chair COLIN MCHENRY

Vice Chair PETER DANCKWERTS

Luncheon secretary JUDITH BASTIN

Honorary designer  RUSSELL DOWLING

Honorary treasurer?    ROBIN SMEETON

Honorary treasurer ROBIN SMEETON

Honorary secretary ALISON GUY

Honorary publications officer  PAUL GUMN

Committee JAMES ALEXANDER, JUDITH BASTIN, GRAHAM BECK, PATRICK BRITTAIN, ROGER EVANS, GERALD FLEUSS, JOHN PARFITT

SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

Invitation for a 2008 talk designed by Russell Dowling entitled: Letraset, the liberated letter — by Colin Brignall and Dave Farey

Invitation for a 2008 talk designed by Russell Dowling entitled: Letraset, the liberated letter — by Colin Brignall and Dave Farey

Sir Christopher Frayling Rector of RCA. The importance of art education in the contemporary world and how this is not fully understood. 

Keepsake:  151x105 bled/4pp with rounded corners/lithography/Wedgewood blue and black/solid blue pp1, 2 & 4 grid pattern p.3/Harding Printers/250gsm Offset.

 

Phil Baines and Catherine Dixon. The Central Lettering Record.

Keepsake: 105x80/ 32pp full colour/thread stitched spine/digitally printed by Icon Colour Limited/John Parfitt printing consultant/Stock cover 175gsm American Cotton and text 170gsm Hello silk.

 

Michael Hockney. Former advertising agency Chairman and CEO. Director of Christies. Chief Executive of D&AD 2003-2007. The future is bright for the creative industries in Britain or is it?

Keepsake:  54X134, folded four times and pasted to form a cube/electrostatic one side in red and black/Line illustration front, Society logo on back/ Centaur Communications/textured white cartridge.

Peter Bower. Forensic paper historian and paper analyst. Fakes and Forgeries: The Art of Deception.

Keepsake: 189x119 overall/6pp gate folded (each fold to a different width), with 95mm slits to accommodate insert/lithography/Paul Haslam at Paul Benwell/140gsm grey Plike/GF Smith. Insert ‘Bank of Peckham’ £50 note 93x169/4 colour/white bond.

 

Colin Brignall and Dave Farey. Letraset, the liberated letter.

Keepsake: A5 Sheet of letraset with wooden applicator.

 

Simon Loxley – Designer: Editor of St Bride’s journal, Ultrabold. A broken impression; the letters of of Frederick Warde 1922-1927.

Keepsake: insert/lithography/black, yellow and red both sides/3 halftone illustrations and Society logo/BAS Printers, Romsey/210gsm Canaletto Liscia. R K Burt & Co. Insert: 2pp black one side with Society logo in red/matching paper.

Who printed, provided the paper, and designed the menus and keepsakes?  

Russell Dowling designed all keepsakes and menus, printers/paper as above.

Favourite memory

Actually I found the year quite stressful although I realised eventually the year would progress even if I wasn’t there, it seemed to have a momentum of its own! Quite proud of the fact I never touched alcohol at any of the events.

 

Chair's lunch

Held at photographer Steve Bielschowsky’s barge moored at Kew Bridge.

 

Summer outing

A wonderful guided tour of Durham Cathedral and the Library plus a visit to Alnwick Castle, its Library and Garden.

Extra events

We had a committee meeting at the Coach and Horses on Kew Green prior to the Chairman’s lunch.

2007

Chair STEPHEN BROUGH

Vice Chair COLIN McHENRY

Luncheon secretary JUDITH BASTIN

Honorary designer JAMES ALEXANDER

Honorary treasurer ROBIN SMEETON

Honorary secretary ALISON GUY

Honorary publications officer JOHN MILES

Committee GRAHAM BECK, GERALD FLEUSS, JOHN PARFFITT

Webmaster PETER DANKWERTS

Hon Archivist LEONARD CHAVE

Editor of de Worde PATRICK BRITTAIN

SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

50th Anniversary Year

Chair for 2007 Stephen Brough with his paperweight, and a fabulous standing stone presented to him on his retirement from his company Profile books, carved by the Cardozo Kindersley workshop

Chair for 2007 Stephen Brough with his paperweight, and a fabulous standing stone presented to him on his retirement from his company Profile books, carved by the Cardozo Kindersley workshop

 

Thursday 18 January

Luncheon at Stationers’ Hall

Speaker:  Lynne Truss

Subject: Why, commas really do make a difference. In which the author of the bestselling Eats, Shoots and Leaves gave a very amusing talk about punctuation and the differences it makes.

Keepsake:  Copy of the speaker’s most recent hardback: Talk to the Hand, kindly provided by her publisher Profile Books. The text was designed by Geoff Green

Menu: designed by Peter Guy and printed by Cambridge University Press

Note: At the time I think it was a record turnout for a lunch.

 

Tuesday 20 March

Evening reception at The Artworkers’ Guild

Speaker:  Gerald Fleuss

Subject: The Legacy of Edward Johnston. In which society member and leading light of the Edward Johnston Foundation Gerald Fleuss gave a wonderful and thoughtful talk on the work and impact of Edward Johnston.

Keepsake: The Legacy of Edward Johnston, a 96-page paperback published by The Society of Scribes and Illuminators and The Edward Johnston Foundation on the occasion of the exhibition at St Brides library in 2006


Thursday 17 May

Luncheon at Stationers’ Hall

Speaker:  Clive Farahar

Subject: My life in Books. In which the Antiques Roadshow’s expert in antiquarian books gave us a tour of the ups and downs of his life

Keepsake: Book Design, a 24-page wire-stitched book containing ‘A few quotations from the masters of typography on lettering, typefaces, self-effacement, philosophy and love’. Compiled and designed by Geoff Green; printed by the Cloister Press; paper supplied by Fedrigoni

Menu: designed by James Alexander and printed by Benwell Sebard (below).

wdew-menu.JPG

Friday 15 June

Summer Outing: Eton College and its library

About 60 members spent the day enjoying a tour of the college and a visit to Eton College library, where we were shown a selection of its great treasures which include: some 200 medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, over 200 incunabula including a copy of the Gutenberg Bible; more than 50,000 printed books of the 16th to 21st centuries, including the only known copies of more than 100 editions; important collections of materials by and relating to Thomas Hardy, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning. Members were split into two groups and either did the tour in the morning and visited the library in the afternoon or vice versa. The society took over Gilbeys Restaurant in the High Street for lunch, which was very jolly and resulted in some members nodding off during their visit to the library.

 

Thursday 19 July

Luncheon at Stationers’ Hall

Speaker:  Hilary Spurling

Subject: The strange tale of Therese Humbert. In which the author of the prize-winning biography of Henri Matisse told us the story of Therese Humbert, who became one of the most powerful women in France but was a charlatan. Finally exposed in 1902, the safe in which all her money was reputed to be kept was found to contain just one trouser button and an Italian coin. Thousands of small investors and creditors were ruined, including Henri Matisse’s parents-in-law. The events had a deep effect on Matisse plunging him into depression and causing him to take his angst out on those such as his printers.

Keepsake: A copy of La Grande Therese by Hilary Spurling, a 144-page paperback with half tones; printed by Bookmarque and kindly provided by the publishers Profile Books.

Menu: Designed by John Miles and printed by Nicholas Russell of Cambridge Printers

 

10 August, Chairman’s lunch

The Chairman and his wife entertained the committee to lunch in the garden of their house on Peckham Rye. The conversation and the wine flowed and the Wynkyn de Worde sun shone. Keepsakes were copies of The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett and Cures and Curiosities inside the Wellcome Library, both provided by the publisher, Profile Books.

 

Tuesday 18 September

Evening reception at the Artworkers’ Guild

Speaker:  Susan Allix

Subject: Balancing Acts: Words, Images and Dimensions in the Artist’s Book. In which Susan Allix, a Rome Scholar who set up her own private press in the early 1970s, gave an illustrated talk on the process she goes through in conceiving and making her books. She also brought along about 20 of her books for members to enjoy.

Keepsake: A Hafez poem translated by Gertrude Bell printed by Susan Allix and provided in a folder.

 

Monday 22 October

Evening display and auction of members’ work at St Bride Institute

Some twenty members displayed their work in the Bridewell Hall and Farringdon Room. Table displays showed the work of Clive Abbott, Humphrey Stone, Richard Lawrence, Alan Keeler, Catherine Dixon and Phil Baines, Richard Daynes, Peter Dankwerts’s Tiger of the Stripe, Benwell Sebard, Peter Guy, Eiichi Kono, John Miles, Cloister Press, Cardozo Kindersley Workshop, Lynda Brockbank, Tim Guy, Carol Kemp, Geoff Green, John Purcell, Harrington & Squires and Incline Press.

This was followed by an auction to raise money for the Charitable Trust. There were 26 lots donated by the following some of whom donated more than one lot: Tim Guy, Ron Costley, Richard Downer, Alison and Peter Guy, Graham Beck and Lida Lopes Cardozo, Carol Kemp and Andrew Hill, Leonard Chave, Lynda Brockbank, John Parfitt, Leo Smith, Richard Lawrence, Arthur Lockwood, Jane Stobart, Basil Harley, Paul Gumn, Ian Mortimer, Humphrey Stone, Alan Keeler, Harry Eccleston, John Miles and Eiichi Kono.

It was an amazing display of the range of talent that resides in the society’s members and the evening raised a substantial amount for the Charitable Trust. It was also a remarkable organisational feat, largely thanks to Paul Benwell.

Keepsake:

A slipcase designed by John Miles and printed by Benwell Sebard contained some 25 printed items supplied by all the exhibitors, plus a plan of the exhibition and a list of items in the auction.

Thursday 15 November, Service at St Bride’s Church culminating in the unveiling of a plaque designed and cut by the Cardozo Kindersley Workshop  to commemorate Wynkyn de Worde, followed by dinner at Stationer’s Hall

Speaker:  Sir Simon Jenkins

Subject: Fleet Street Then and Now. In which the well-known author and columnist and former editor of The Times gave an entertaining talk about our national newspaper industry from the days of hot metal and very powerful unions through to the current times.

Keepsakes:

Service sheet booklet of 6 pages plus cover showing the plaque on the front and an engraving of St Bride’s Church on the back; designed by Peter Guy; printed by John Parfitt

Grace composed by Canon David Meara for the occasion. Letterpress printed from metal type by Graham Moss of Incline Press.

The Making of the Memorial Slate to Wynkyn de Worde An 8-page A3 concertina printed in four colours; photographs by Philip Moore and the Cardozo Kindersley Workshop apprentices; designed by Philip Moore and Lida Lopes Cardozo with Russell Purdham and Jay Lewis; typeset by Jay Lewis and Elsie Whittle; printed by the Cloister Press.

Four-page folded list of those contributing to the costs of the Memorial Slate and the auction held in October. Designed by John Miles and printed by Cambridge Printers.

In our Own Words: The Wynkyn de Worde Society 1957-2007

A 96-page paperback with flaps containing selected quotes from members about the ethos, people, structure, events and legacy of the Society extracted from the oral history project carried out by Bridget Wilkins. Designed and typeset by Catherine Dixon; printed and bound by the Cromwell Press; Photographs by Phil Baines, Peter Dankwerts, Catherine Dixon and Michael Harvey; interview transcriptions by Nancy Campbell, Louise Cross, Lesley Nolan and Bridget Wilkins.

Menu: Watercolour by Alan Keeler and typesetting and design by Peter Guy; printed by Cambridge University Press.

One other keepsake was organised during my time - but I think was given out at the January lunch in 2008 when Colin McHenry was Chairman.

Forty Years On:

The Wynkyn de Worde Society 1997-1997

Plus 10

A supplement for the years 1998-2007

A 16-page illustrated booklet complied by Leonard Cave, edited by John Taylor, designed by Peter Guy and printed by the Cloister Press under the direction of Philip Moore who also took the photographs.

Other comments

All pretty memorable – a mixture of anxiety, fearfulness and great pleasure throughout the year, rounded off at the end with a great sense of relief and achievement. 

2006

Chair THELMA ROLFE

Vice-Chair PAUL BENWELL

Honorary designer JOHN MILES / RON COSTLEY 

Honorary treasurer ROBIN SMEETON 

Honorary secretary PETER GUY

Honorary publications officer JOHN MILES

Honorary luncheon secretary ALISON GUY

Committee PAT BATLEY, PETER DANKWERTS PAUL BENWELL, MARGARET HALL, JENNY JONES, COLIN MCHENRY, COLIN POOLEY, THELMA ROLFE

Honorary archivist LEONARD CHAVE





SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

Fifteenth Century woodcut from from Parker's Dives & Paupers printed by Wynkyn de Worde.

Francis Bennett — Nielson Book Data
Battered, bewildered but unbeaten: reflections on twenty years of trying to change book trade practices

Keith O'Sullivan — Librarian, Canterbury Cathedral Library
An embarrassment of riches: A cathedral librarian's perspective and experience.

Philip Ziegler — Biographer
The legacy of Cecil Rhodes — the dream of an Anglo-Saxon Elite which would reshape the world. Keepsake designed by James Alexander at Jade design. Printing and paper by Keene Repro.

Robert Barnard — Crime writer and past chair of the Brontë Society
Bramwell Brontë – What happened between him and Mrs Robinson?

Menu for Robert Barnard’s talk about Bramwell Brontë

Summer outing
A privileged visit to Canterbury Cathedral Library and a guided tour of the Cathedral

Ian Beck — Book illustrator
Words and pictures

Jeremy Lewis – Allen Lane: the King Penguin?

Jeremy Lewis
Allen Lane: the King Penguin?

2005

Chair PAUL BENWELL

Vice Chair THELMA ROLFE

Luncheon secretary ALISON GUY

Honorary designer COLIN McHENRY

Honorary treasurer ROBIN SMEETON

Honorary secretary PETER GUY

Honorary publications officer JOHN MILES

Committee PAT BATLEY, STEPHEN BROUGH, PETER DANCKWERTS, MARGARET HALL (CO-OPTED) SHELLEY GRUENDLER, JENNY JONES, COLIN MCHENRY

Honorary Archivist LEONARD CHAVE

Honorary Members Harry Eccleston OBE, Maurits Enschede, PW Filby, Margaret Hall OBE RDI, Elliot Offner, Vivian Ridler, Hermann Zapf Hon RDI

Honorary Fellows Leonard Chave, Gabrielle Falkiner, Gay Fullick, Roy Fullick, Muriel Griundfeld, Lida Lopes Cardozo

SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

Chair’s paperweight for 2005

Chair’s paperweight for 2005

20 January
Lida Lopes Cardozo,
Letter Cutter. Into the deepest point
Lida talked about her work and the Cardozo Kindersley Workshop. Keepsakes included items from the workshops

15 March
Ian Mortimer,
Letterpress Printer. The hand press in the digital age
Ian talked of his work and in particular the hand printing of Banks Florilegium consisting of 743 line engravings in 35 solander boxes
Keepsake produced by Ian printed letterpress.

19 May
Edward King,
Newspaper Librarian. Gotcha! Newspapers through the looking glass
A look at some of the notable editions of newspapers through the ages.
Keepsake, a ‘Newspaper’, designed by John Miles and printed by Benwell Sebard on Rajah Newsprint.

21 July
Bernard Battley,
Printer. A small family business
Bernard spoke of the life of his family printing business with interesting insights of printing through World War 2 and programmes for the Globe Theatre
Keepsakes specially reproduced by Battley Brothers of mementoes from the war.

13 September
Francis Herbert
, RGS Curators of Maps
Evening at the Royal Geographical Society. Francis showed some of the more individual items in the Society’s possession including the longest map. John Miles designed a keepsake of the Construction for a Zenithal Equal Area Projection.

17 November
Paul Atterbury,
Graphic Historian. Atterbury’s Hobby Horses
Well known man of ephemera talked about typefaces, letter spacing, legibility and Helvetica. Trained as a graphic designer and a son of Westerham Press.

Stationery was designed by Colin McHenry using a new typeface from Dave Farey and Richard Dawson called Zemestro used throughout the year. Printed in one colour with WdeW logo foiled in different positions according to the season.

A Wynkyn de Worde Calendar showing all the events for the year was given to every member and submitted to the National Business Calendar Awards where it won the Typographic/Free Standing category trophy.

All Menus were designed by Colin McHenry and printed by Benwell Sebard on paper supplied by GF Smith.

de Worde 2005 was edited by Roy Coxhead and included the Membership List. Designed by John Miles and printed by Napier Jones.

The ‘Weight of Office’ A book of the memento paper weights carved by an apprentice at the Cardozo Kindersley Workshop and given to the outgoing Chairman. Designed by John Miles, printed at the Cloister Press on Fedrigoni Symbol Tatimi and enclosed in a red slipcase.

What is you favourite memory of your time as chair?

The Chairman’s Summer Lunch on a glorious day in our garden in Shoreham.


10 June
Summer Outing Greenwich.
Guided tours of the Maritime Museum, the Old Royal Naval College and a talk on some of the treasures of the Caird Library. Lunch in the King William Restaurant.

13 April
National Art Library at the V&A in a joint event with the Edward Johnston Foundation.
Talk by Rowan Watson, the senior curator. Keepsake, ‘de Worde to Johnston’ designed by Gerald Fleuss and printed by Cloister Press.

12 December
Christmas Party
at the Bankside Gallery with a raffle ‘barked’ by John Taylor.

My paperweight

The paperweight is a cube with two faces of the WdeW sun logo extending on to the top where one ray becomes the ‘5’ of ’05’ in gold intaglio. My initials are on the other two faces in blue.

2004

Chair DAVID WAY

Vice Chair PAUL BENWELL

Honorary designer JOHN MILES / RON COSTLEY 

Honorary treasurer ROBIN SMEETON 

Honorary secretary PETER GUY

Honorary publications officer JOHN MILES

Honorary luncheon secretary ALISON GUY

Committee PAT BATLEY, PETER DANKWERTS PAUL BENWELL, MARGARET HALL, JENNY JONES, COLIN MCHENRY, COLIN POOLEY, THELMA ROLFE

Honorary archivist LEONARD CHAVE



SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

Woodcut from ‘A letter on the islands newly found by the King of Spain’

Stanley Wells – Behind the scenes at the RSC
Lunch at the Royal Shakepseare Theatre, Stratford upon Avon.

Sarah Tyake  
Chief Executive of The National Archives

Patricia Lovett 
Calligrapher 

Lotte Hellinga and Tony Edwards
At the Artworkers' Guild

Summer outing to Cambridge
Visit to the Parker Library, Corpus Christi College and the Cardozo Kindersley workshop

Professor Felipe Fernandez-Armestro
Romances of the sea, Columbus undiscovered reading matter. The keepsake was a woodcut from "A letter on the islands newly found by the King of Spain' by Giuliano Dati, Florence, 1493. Printed by Benwell Sebard. Papeer by GF Smith.

Catherine Parr – Queen of Print

Dr David Starkey
Catherine Parr Queen of Print

2003

Chair PATRICK BRITTAIN

Vice-Chair DAVID WAY

Luncheon secretary ALISON GUY

Honorary designer JOHN MILES / RON COSTLEY 

Honorary treasurer ROBIN SMEETON 

Honorary secretary PETER GUY

Honorary publications officer JOHN TAYLOR

Committee PAT BATLEY, PAUL BENWELL, ALISON GUY, MARGARET HALL, JENNY JONES, COLIN MCHENRY, COLIN POOLEY, THELMA ROLFE

SPEAKERS AND EVENTS

The summer outing in 2003 was to Kelmscott Manor

The summer outing in 2003 was to Kelmscott Manor

Andrew Franklin (publisher, Profile Books) - Anglo-American book publishing.


Judy Hough author, historian - Beatrix Potter

 

Stephen Bourne  printer to Cambridge university press - short run printing at C.U.P

 

John Donne The Dean of St.Pauls

 

Blake Morrison (Author and Journalist) - His novel based on Gutenberg and the invention of moveable type

 

P.D.James (author) — Jane Austen and detective fiction 

 

What was the keepsake for the event? Alas, just one comes to mind: The Cambridge Emblem. This was a limited, cloth bound edition presented to mark the meeting when the speaker was Stephen Bourne 



Who printed, provided the paper, and designed the menus and keepsakes?

Larman printers, C.U.P, Smith Settle

 

What is you favourite memory of your time as chair? Any funny stories? My final meeting - it was all over!

 

Did you have a chair's lunch? Where was it?

Yes at my house in South East London

 

Did you have a summer outing? What did you see there?

Yes to Kelmscott Manor 

William Morris’s bedroom at Kelmscott Manor

William Morris’s bedroom at Kelmscott Manor