Smith, George

Manuscript and printed items, 1891-1963, of a personal and business nature relating to George Smith.

George Smith was born on 15 July 1871. He was educated at Battersea Grammar School, 1880-1887. From 1881 to 1892 he was articled to Gilbert Ellis who were engaged in the business of Antiquarian books. Smith passed the Library Association examination with honours, being the only candidate to qualify for the full professional certificate prior to the revised scheme of 1901. From 1893 to 1894 he served as the sub librarian of University College London and chief librarian of the Linen Hall, Belfast from 1894 to 1902. On the death of Gilbert Ellis in 1902, Smith succeeded to a partnership in the firm of Ellis and Elvey, the rare and antique bookshop founded by John Brindley, the famous bookbinder and publisher in 1728. He remained with the firm until his retirement in 1937 and died in Brighton aged 91 years.

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