The Midlands is, perhaps, Britain’s most historically important centre of printing outside London. Through its connections with William Caslon I, England’s first native type-founder (Cradley), and John Baskerville, the famous printer, (Birmingham) it became a centre of European printing during the mid-eighteenth century. For three centuries the region’s printers, type-founders, engravers, bookmakers, newspaper makers and typographic educators combined to make the region not only a national and international typographic force. But it is not simply technological advances that made the region’s printing trade significant. Its products reflect its changing intellectual, social, spiritual, and commercial life, which has been preserved through the production of books, broadsides, ballads, newspapers and a range of general printing.

Printing and print culture in the Midlands comprise nine articles which illustrate the effervescent nature of research in the history of print, which has extended the boundaries of this area of study in recent years. Partly this reflects the greater accessibility of manuscript material in record offices, libraries and electronically. Ephemera besides books have become worthy of study. Artefacts also absorb the historian as well as archives. Online newspapers have transformed the scope of investigation. This issue also reflects how the history of print explores new agendas, engages with debates and employs different methodologies – and not just those of the historian. Particular themes include the importance of place and space, lettering and language, technological investigation, the skills and understanding of the craftsperson, advertising, marketing and newspaper reporting.

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Printing & print culture in the Midlands