Welcome to The British Printing Society
The Society was founded in 1944 by a Bristol printer, William R. Brace, originally as the Amateur Printers' Association. In 1948 it was 
renamed the International Small Printers' Association, a name it held until 1965. The present name was adopted at the twenty-first anniversary Convention in April 1965. By this time it had become a successful, but still growing, society.
William Brace visualised an organisation which would enable printers to exchange views and experiences, pass on hints and tips, and generally promote a spirit of craftsmanship and friendliness. Although the British Printing Society (BPS) is much bigger than in those early years, its many activities show that those ideals have not been forgotten. The Society is governed by an Executive Council of unpaid officers who are elected annually by members' vote. They are supported by a number of executive officers appointed by the Executive Council who undertake certain specific duties (eg the Librarian).
Many members continue to use the traditional way of printing which is based upon using movable lead type (Letterpress). However commercial printers now mainly uses computer based images which are printed onto paper using digital technology and these techniques have been adopted by many members, often alongside Letterpress. Digital technology is particularly suitable for short-run publications like Society Newsletters.
Description of Website
. This page
Membership; what the BPS does and how.
The Local Branches and the Publishing Group (PG).
Conventions and Annual General Meetings.
From Gutenberg to the present time.
Typesetting, make-ready, printing and related topics.
Desktop publishing;copying and printing the digital image.
Bibliography of books and internet links useful for the printer.
Last Updated:
July 2nd 2009