Press archives of Christopher Skelton

Five boxes contain files of correspondence, reports, financial documents and jobcards relating to material produced by Skelton, including The engravings of Eric Gill (20 items). Seventeen boxes contain file copies of books and pamphlets printed at Skelton's Press and The September Press for various publishers, including variant issues and bindings (357 items). Three boxes contain ephemera from Skelton's Press. A further box contains oversized and miscellaneous items.

Christopher Skelton (1925-1992), printer, typographer and publisher, was a nephew of Eric Gill. He was taught printing by Gill's son-in-law, Ren Hague. He founded Skelton's Press in Wellingborough in 1968, combining jobbing work with producing fine books. After its sale in 1984-5 he continued printing in partnership with Alan Bultitude as The September Press. He produced his two most substantial works, both labours of love, late in his career - The engravings of Eric Gill (Skelton's Press 1983) and the facsimile of the Golden Cockerel Press Four Gospels (September Press, 1987)

Items relating to a single work or to works produced for an individual publisher are filed together.

Open to all researchers. No reader's ticket is required but an appointment is necessary. Check http://www.reading.ac.uk/special-collections/using/sc-using.asp for contact details and opening hours.

Given to the Library by Mrs Elizabeth Skelton, Christopher Skelton's widow, and collected from her in Swindon, 31 March 2000.

Description prepared by Bridget Andrews from material provided by David Knott.

Biographical source: Times obituary, 8 February 1992.

List available.