Introducing The Society
The Society was founded in 1944 by a Bristol printer, William R. Brace. He 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 now bigger than in those early years, its activities show that those ideals have not been forgotten.
The affairs of the Society are run by an elected group of members known as the Executive Council, or EC. The Council is elected by postal secret ballot and the results are announced at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), which is generally held during March or April each year (see also the Annual Convention on the 'Events' Page). The address of the Society is 2A Chatsworth Road, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset BH14 0QL and correspondence should be addressed to Mr. S. Hubbard, British Printing Society Secretary.
Membership
Membership of the British Printing Society is anyone interested in printing, whether on an amateur or professional basis. Members include those who print for pleasure or profit, typographers, teachers, club officials and private publishers. Their common interest has proved a basis for lasting friendship. Overseas members are welcome. As the Society has grown, so has the scope of the benefits it can offer to its members. Full membership can be taken out by an individual, or by two persons living at the same address. To read the prospectus of the Society, click on BPS Prospectus.
The current membership subscription is £24.00 (applicants living abroad who wish for the society magazine to be sent airmail, or those applying for Group membership, should add 50% to this figure). To join, please complete the application form which can be printed from the link seen by clicking Application Form; remember to enclose a cheque (made payable to 'British Printing Society') for the appropriate amount for your subscription and post it to the address given in the membership form. The Rules of the Society may be seen by clicking Rules.
An annual Membership List is published shortly after the AGM and sent to members. The List shows the name, membership number and other details for all members, and gives contact details for the officers of the Society.
Society Magazine
The Society publishes its own monthly magazine, Small Printer (click Illustration to see a typical front cover) which is distributed free to all members. No other magazine caters in quite the same way for the small business or hobby printer. Its contents include official and membership news, reviews, articles on the various aspects of printing, instructional features, correspondence, ideas and suggestions, details of suppliers and members' small advertisements. Small Printer reaches all society members, whether they live in big towns or in remote places where there is little chance of contact with other printers. Most of the content of Small Printer is contributed by members having something useful or interesting which they would like to share with other members. Click here to email the Editor, Small Printer.
Together with the magazine, members also receive 'the bundle', which may include items such as examples of members' work, forewarning of Branch Open Days, and other items of interest. Members are encouraged to produce their own items for inclusion in the bundle and there is no charge for this unless the item contains advertising. Co-operative publications are occasionally produced either by Branches or informally by a number of members working together.
Advertising
Small Printer includes advertising at very competitive rates. Click Small Printing Advertising Rates. The magazine also run classified ads for members wishing to dispose of, or buy, particular printing related items.
For information regarding advertising, email by clicking Advertising Manager or telephone him,Tony Jewell on 01474 333312 (working hours 9 - 5).
Enquiry Service
A free printing enquiry service is provided to members which can be obtained by emailing Here.The Library
The Society has a library of several hundred books. These include advanced and elementary works on printing and crafts related to it, business organisation and costing, private press books, and specimens of printing. These books are available to all members resident in the British Isles. No charge is made, but borrowers are required to pay outward and return postage.
Society Publications
In addition to the booklets and leaflets for distribution through the Bundle, from time to time the Society has published books of special interest to printers. These have usually been Co-operative publications, to which a number of members have contributed.