I began book dealing full-time in 1978.

I have a life-long passion for books.

Born into a printing background, I seemed destined for a career in the book.

 

I completed a six year apprenticeship with one of the most renowned 20th century lithographic and letterpress commercial printers W. S. Cowell’s Ltd of Ipswich.

 

Some of you may remember the ‘old’ black and green catalogue covers for the sixties sales at Sotheby’s – yours truly’s handy work.

 

In the early seventies a change of direction saw a move to farthest West Cornwall where I continued my craft skills, establishing a highly respected business in hand crafted leather goods.

 

I exhibited at the inaugural exhibition of the Cornwall Crafts Association. At this time I started to collect books and maps relating to the county of Cornwall.

 

From collecting to selling is a small step, and in the early 1980's I opened my first bookshop in St. Ives.

 

I employed all the knowledge I had gained in my previous career, the printing techniques, collation, design, layout 'the feel for a book'. These were all brought to good use.

 

A move to the Devon market town of Honiton soon followed.

I specialised in local topography, issuing regular catalogues and attending many bookfairs.