The British Printing Society
Run by printers, for printers. The British Printing Society (also known as the BPS) exists to promote the art of printing and to support the people that print.
The Society was founded in 1944 by a Bristol printer, William R. Brace as a Society of Friends to promote the craft of printing. All these years later we are still here supporting printers, making friends and promoting the craft that we love.
We have local branches around the country so that printers in the same geographical area can meet regularly. We even have an online branch for those who don’t live near a local branch and an overseas branch for our more far-flung members.
The BPS produces a bi-monthly magazine ‘Small Printer’ which is sent to all members of the society. It’s cram packed with articles on printing, presses, print history and what members have been up to. We list print related events around the country and even have ‘small ads’ selling printing equipment and type.
We have a Publishing Group made up of members who love to print. These members contribute regularly to a bi-monthly bundle of prints. Any member can join the PG, there is no vetting procedure. The PG is a supportive group that encourages members to print and to print regularly.
We hold an annual open day and AGM at various locations around the country. This is a chance to meet up and catch up with old friends and make some new ones. The Open Day sale is a great place to bag a bargain or to sell equipment you no longer need.
What’s in it for You?
Membership of the Society has a whole host of benefits for those new to printing and the more experienced printer alike.
- A Great Community — online and in person
- Small Printer Magazine — landing on your doormat every two months
- Local Branches & Groups — across the UK, plus online and overseas
- Exciting Post — if you also join the Publishing Group
- Open Days — once or twice a year around the country
Run by Printers, for Printers
The British Printing Society is run entirely by volunteers and we are always looking for people to help out.
The affairs of the Society are run by an elected group of members known as the Executive Council, or EC. The EC meets regularly to discuss Society matters and to ensure the smooth running of the Society.
See who helps run the Society
Society Awards
We award a number of prizes each year to members who have made a notable contribution to the society. These are usually awarded at our AGM.
Find out more about prizes and how to enter
Want to Help?
The BPS always welcomes donations to help support our aims. Donations do not need to be financial. We are happy to receive printing equipment which will be sold to raise funds at the AGM.
Support us
Contact Us
If you have a question about any aspect of the society, do get in touch. Email enquiries@bpsnet.org.uk and we will aim to reply to your enquiry as soon as possible.
Get in touch