Private Libraries Association News

Bookbinding workshop

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:50:29 GMT

Learn How To Make A Sketchbook

Tutor: Sam Treadaway
When: Saturday 20th June, 2026, 10am-3pm
Where: The Bookery, 21 High Street, Crediton, Devon, EX17 3AH
Full fee: £70.00 (Benefit/Low Wage £60.00)

To book, click: HERE

During this Bookbinding Workshop, which is suitable for beginners or improvers, you'll be introduced to the basic tools and techniques of bookbinding.

During the day, you'll learn how to make a hardcover sketchbook notebook, which is then yours to keep and take home with you after the workshop.

This course is suitable for those with little or no crafting experience.

Recommendations:

"I had never tried bookbinding before and knew nothing. I left with a lovely notebook and the confidence to try it again at home."

"Kind encouragement from the tutor was excellent. I would recommend this workshop to anyone."

Sounds interesting?

Book: HERE

Small Presses in the Rocky Mountains West

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 20:39:36 GMT

Small Presses

In the Rocky Mountains West

By Richard L Hardesty

Richard Hardesty writes from Hungry Horse, Montana:

"I am not yet a member of PLA, although I do hope to attain that status before I pass on to that great Library in the Sky. However, I have written something which perhaps some members may find of interest, Small Presses in the Rocky Mountain West , the result of five years of research. The link given is to Amazon UK, but of course it is also available at the Amazon US website. You can also find out more about it at the website for Rising Wolf Press using the link given below.
"I have greatly enjoyed your website. I've been helping my friend Howard with his new bibliography as well, so I do visit from time to time."

Rising Wolf Press
Butterflies of the Laramie Mountains of Wyoming
Spotted Cap's West , a Western history blog
Tales of the Lindensaga , fantasy by J. R. Hardesty

Always good to hear from PLA members, and folks like Richard Hardesty... who would be welcome to become one!

Tracing Frankenstein

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 22:41:49 GMT

Tracing Frankenstein:

Editions, Performances, and Inspired Fictions

By Mattias Tornquist

PLA member Mattias Törnquist has recently published a new book titled 'Tracing Frankenstein: Editions, Performances, and Inspired Fictions' .

Since its publication in 1818, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has occupied an influential position in literature and cultural history. Its success, as a literary work, on the stage, and later in film, has never waned. The monster arguably gave rise to new subgenres that continued to thrive in literature and other media.

This volume documents that early reception and influence, comprising:

205 described editions of Frankenstein, including numerous variants.
A chronological account of stage adaptations and films produced between 1818 and 1931.
242 annotated fiction titles influenced by Frankenstein within the same period.”

This book is available at Hyraxia books

For more information, go HERE

21st Century Book Collecting: A talk

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 14:09:46 GMT

21st Century Collecting

A talk for members of the Private Libraries Association and anyone else interested in books and book collecting

Spencer W Stuart shares the low-down on what is happening in the book-collecting world in an online talk at 6pm (BST) on Tuesday 12th May 2026

Spencer W Stuart

More than a quarter of the way into the Century, traditional models of developing collections, both Privately and Institutionally, are no longer common practice.

But what are the implications for these structural changes for emerging collectors and for those in the process of Estate planning? Join Collections Advisor, Spencer W Stuart , as he outlines these transformations and how to navigate them as a Collector. Using case-studies from his professional practice, Spencer will demonstrate generational changes in the outlook and intent around building collections of rare books and ephemera.

The talk will be held by Zoom video-conference on Tuesday 12th May 2026, at 6:00 p.m. BST. The talk is free and open to all (members and non-members).

Please get in touch for the Zoom link HERE

Follow up meeting:

In addition to Spencer Stuart’s online talk on 12th May, there will be an in-person follow up at the bookshop of Bryars & Bryars (7 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ) at 6pm (BST) on Wednesday 27th May. Numbers are limited for the bookshop event, so please book a place by contacting the PLA HERE

Members are invited to arrive in good time, to allow them a chance to examine the stock at Bryars & Bryars (the books and maps there are mostly not listed on internet search-sites).

Sounds interesting?

Contact us for more information HERE

A new book from The Florin Press

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:05:43 GMT

"We have waited years for this moment, and at last Graham has completed his books on printing woodblocks well."

Graham & Jan

at 'The Florin Press'

Vent House, Stalisfield Road, Charing,

Kent TN27 0HH

It might take 30 seconds for the copy to download...

The Scholartis Press

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:13:52 GMT

John Arnold's book 'The Scholartis Press' has been steered splendidly to publication by Paul Nash.

Congratulations to both of them, and to all PLA members

who receive a complimentary copy as part of their subscription.

The great Eric Partridge of

 The Scholartis Press.

You will find more about

 'The Scholartis Press' HERE

David Chambers remembered

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 21:21:54 GMT

There will be very few PLA members who do not have vivid memories of David Chambers, for many years the indisputable 'head honcho' at the Private Libraries Association.

Here is David in about 1970 at his Cuckoo Hill Press, named after the road in Pinner where he lived.

As far as the Private Libraries Association is concerned, as Philip Ward gradually withdrew David stepped up, and there will be very few members of the Association unaffected in some way by David Chambers' influence.

With wonderful contributions (including from David's children), the present indefatigable editor of the Private Library (David Butcher), has produced a truly memorable issue of Private Library in tribute to David Chambers.

It will be on its way to all PLA members very soon.

Additional note:

The David Chambers memorial issue is now out.

Please find the details HERE

Sometimes it's not the book...

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 22:06:59 GMT

Sometimes it's not the book, but but the association

that counts.

Here is a very bashed-up copy of 'Robin Hood' that my father was given by an aunt in 1932 when he was ten. He read the book most years until he died 80 years later.

A rather splendid book catalogue

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 11:37:28 GMT

The Working Library of Anthony Wood, Heraldic Artist

Anthony Wood [1925-2022] F.H.S., F.R.S.A, was one of the finest heraldic artists in Britain in the 20th century. He was born in Birmingham and educated at Oundle and Birmingham College of Art.

He served in the Army at the end of the Second World War. In 1947, he married Elizabeth Moore, a ballet dancer. With a young family to support, he combined work as a salesman for the publishers Thames & Hudson, with instruction in calligraphy and heraldic art from the eminent artists Daisy Alcock and William Gardner.

He undertook commissions for officers at the College of Arms, Houses of Parliament, Guilds of the City of London, royalty, local authorities, armed services, schools, universities and private individuals. In 1981, he designed the coat of arms on the programme for the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.

Give the catalogue 30 seconds or so to load, and then scroll down to view all pages

"Too much Nag!" at the York Book Fair

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:52:51 GMT

Yes indeed...

Far, far too much Nag!

The York Book Fair: September 2025

Council members David Fry and Jim Maslen are pleased to report great interest on the Private Libraries Association stand at the York Book Fair during September 2025. Several new members were signed up, and a number of books sold. David sent a photograph of the PLA stand (below), and added:

"The photo seems dominated by the Nag… airbrush out as required."

Fair enough, David... We've substituted a more suitable 'bookish' background!

Open Day at Whittington on Saturday 6th September 2025

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 20:00:12 GMT

The Nomad Press is at home!

Pat Randle writes: "Our yearly Open Day at Whittington lands on Saturday 6th September 2025 when we will be running the Heidelberg and Wharfedale cylinder printing presses and demonstrating the intricacies of casting type on the Monotype machines.

Current Nomad Letterpress projects will be on display, including Paul Kershaw’s book on Skye illustrated with many colour and monochrome wood-engravings, and Peter Allen’s Oiseaux de France with colourful pochoir illustrations made without a printed key.

Joining us for the day will be an array of wood engravers, pochoir illustrators, other printers, booksellers and bookbinders who will be displaying their work on tables surrounding the Press.

Also on offer: free car parking, 5-a-side football and BBQ.

Whittington is about 4 miles east of Cheltenham and the Press is in the grounds of Whittington Court, behind the church. Details and map, click: HERE

Which Way? For the PLA.

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 16:39:36 GMT

Thank you for the response to the mail out...

In July '25, we sent out 1000+ emails to members and friends asking for ideas about how best the website and other digital presence could work to benefit the Private Library Association... We are getting a terrific response, for which many thanks. Please keep these great ideas coming, and will gradually bring loads of them to fruition. Watch this space!

And remember, it's always easy to get in touch... Just click HERE

Book Fair in York

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 13:18:49 GMT

A purrrfect place for book-lovers!

The Private Libraries Association will be represented at the York National Book Fair held by the PBFA in September 2025...

Friday 12th September 2025, noon to 7pm

Saturday 13th September 2025, 10am to 5pm

Everyone is welcome to visit this outstanding Book Fair, and do please make yourselves known on the Private Libraries Association stand.

For more information, go: HERE

Printing the Albion way

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 13:10:14 GMT

Scott Coates on the job, watched by Eric Downer

Albion presses were first made in the 1820s, remained in widespread use until the 1930s, and are still seen in a few fine-print workshops all over the world. It's a grand sight to see a skilled printer at work.

From little acorns...

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 19:06:25 GMT

Tall oaks from little acorns grow.

The young (18 year-old) but highly motivated Philip Ward writes about his founding of the Private Libraries Association in the Harrow Observer & Gazette on 17th May 1956. Little did he know then how the Association would grow and flourish, and not just be a 'book pool' but become a book publisher.

A poem

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 16:20:24 GMT

A poem for a Libraries Association: 'The puzzled fellow'

July 2025

Twyman Supplement now available

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 12:11:42 GMT

The Private Library

Michael Twyman’s supplement to his article examining the early years of lithographed book illustration that appeared in the double issue of our journal Seventh series, Vol. 4: 1 & 2, Spring & Summer 2021, pp. 3–96 is now available to view via the journal section of the website. Read it here .

Robin de Beaumont

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 08:34:15 GMT

Robin de Beaumont In Memoriam

Robin de Beaumont, a long-standing member of the PLA and a former president, who died recently.

His family would like to invite people who did know him to the funeral.

It will take place on Thursday 9 ^th March at 11am, Brompton Cemetery Chapel, Old Brompton Rd SW10 9UG with burial after in Brompton Cemetery, and then 1.00 at Chelsea Arts Club, 143 Old Church Road, SW3 6EB .

Lives in Book History

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 07:37:30 GMT

Announcing 'Lives in Book History: Changing Contours Over Forty Years'

Edited by Robin Myers, Michael Harris and Giles Mandelbrote

In 2018, in celebration of the 40 ^th year of our annual conferences on book trade history, the authors explored some of the most important themes and developments in this field through the eyes and experience of some of its most widely respected exponents. Leading authorities discussed their engagement with book trade history, looking back over their own work to identify the significant influences upon them and changes in focus and research methods over time.

After losing their publisher in 2010, they lagged behind with publication of the proceedings of the conferences, which until then had come out regularly on the first day of the following year's conference. Unable to find another publisher for some years, catching up had become impossible. However, they decided to select the proceedings from the 2018 conference, which had special significance, to be published in a stylish production with The Garendon Press.

Gerard de Lisle and Robin Myers founded The Garendon Press (called after the ancestral home of the March Phillipps de Lisle family) in 2018. Its first publication, Two Huguenot Brothers, Letters of Andrew and James Coltée Ducarel, 1732–1773, edited by Robin Myers and Gerard de Lisle, appeared in 2019.

Lives in Book History is its second publication, designed, as the previous volume was, by Robert Dalrymple. Illustrated, with sewn, rounded and backed binding, and attractively jacketed, it is an elegant production, modestly priced at £35, plus postage and packing [UK: £10; Overseas: £20].

Copies of Lives in Book History can be obtained from:

Robin Myers

The Garendon Press, 302 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QG

Email: rm248@cam.ac.uk | Telephone: +44 (0) 1223 247749

An order form is available here .

In memoriam

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 12:18:51 GMT

Frances Guthrie RIP

We regret to announce the death of Frances Guthrie, a member of some 50 years standing and a longtime member of council. She had devoted her life to collecting the work of her great-uncle, James Guthrie, and writing an account of his life and publications.

Happy New Year

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 14:09:16 GMT

Happy New Year!

Happy new year to all our members and a great publishing year in 2021!

Members are also printers and publishers

Sat, 21 Nov 2020 13:29:24 GMT

We want to hear from you

Many of our members both print and publish so let us know what you have so it can be publicised. Contact us today via the website or through our social media channels.

The PLA doubles its twitter followers

Sat, 21 Nov 2020 13:26:17 GMT

Social media goes from strength to strength

The PLA now has over 1,300 followers and if you’re not one please do and spread the word.

Just Published

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 16:46:57 GMT

The History of the Caradoc Press by James Freemantle is available for purchase.

The PLA is pleased to announce the publication of a major new work on the history of The Caradoc Press, one of the most prestigious private presses which operated between 1899-1909 by Harry and Hesba Webb. Ordinary copies are available now to purchase with specials fully subscribed and currently at the binders. Please contact Jim Maslen for purchase details.

The PLA 2020 AGM goes Zoom!

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 09:36:01 GMT

Annual AGM 2020

On Wednesday 9th September at 2.30 The PLA held its annual AGM but with a difference as for the first time it was virtual and as such was zoomed in by members outside of the U.K. who were located in Dubai, Serbia, America and Canada.

Many good points were discussed but the international attendees were a great help in hopefully developing The PLA in their countries.

Colin Franklin and Helen Hardy

Wed, 27 May 2020 09:23:08 GMT

Sad news as Colin Franklin and Helen Hardy pass away

It is with great sadness that the noted bibliophile Colin Franklin (pictured above), a former president of The PLA and Helen Hardy a stalwart of and Honorary Member of the PLA Council have both passed away. Our condolences to their many friends and family.

Our New-Look Website

Thu, 21 May 2020 10:06:03 GMT

A Brand New Website

Work began in October 2019 to redesign the PLA website and make it look younger and fresher, while not getting too overwhelmed with internet bells and whistles.

Like all websites, rather than a finished product we have now at least stepped out on the road of evolution — with changes, additions and tweaks to arrive in the coming months. But for our first steps into a Brave New World, we think it's a good start and we hope to keep on improving and refining throughout the year.

Update 2025: the new PLA website was a bit neglected from 2022/3, but is now being updated in terms of structure and content. Do please let me know if you have any ideas for further improvement. You can contact me HERE

Many thanks Richard Martin

Upcoming Shows & AGM

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 19:26:11 GMT

Covid-19 changes plans

Regretfully, due to the Coronavirus, all fairs have been cancelled until the end of April. In Britain, The Edinburgh Premier Fair and the UK Fine Press Book Fair have been rescheduled for November. Keep checking relevant websites for updates.

It has been decided that the AGM in June be postponed until September or October, depending upon the situation in July – August.

Follow us on Twitter

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 11:06:03 GMT

Getting Social with Social Media

The Private Libraries Association's Twitter account @PLAbooks is easily accessible from your iphone, smart phone or tablet and has up to date news and events on what is happening in the printing, engraving, academic, museum and publishing worlds with links to other sites, articles, companies and blogs that are interesting to read and constantly stimulating.

Early Private Presses

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 11:15:11 GMT

Early Private Presses 1730-1900, by David Chambers

This is the first comprehensive study of the private presses in the British Isles that were active in the 18th and 19th centuries. In two volumes: Vol. 1 The Presses, c 300 pp, 75 illus. Vol 2: Bibliography, c. 300 pp. Cloth boards, imperial octavo.

Both volumes will be issued as the free member book for the two years 2017 & 2018 combined. (To be included in the distribution of free copies of this standard edition, the PLA membership subscription must be paid for both years.) It is priced at £80 for both volumes, trade discount 25%. Special editions also available, 30 copies, both volumes bound in full morocco, in slip cases, with selected original leaves taken from 14 volumes of the presses concerned, price about £750. A further 70 copies will be issued with both volumes bound in quarter morocco, in slip cases, with original leaves from the same volumes, price about £375. 25% discount to PLA members or the trade. Postage extra. Join today and receive for free or reserve your copy using our order form. If you would like the prospectus pdf emailed to you, please send us a request using the contact form. The book description is on the publications books page.

Update: 'Early Private Presses' took somewhat longer to prepare than anticipated, and was eventually published during 2025. The standard two volume work is available free to qualifying members, and can be purchased by all others. The special editions have not been published. RM July 2025