This blog post was written by Ruth Frendo, the Archivist of the Stationers’ Company Archive.
The Stationers’ Company is the City of London Livery Company for the Communications and Content Industries. The majority of our members still work in, or supply, the paper, print, publishing, packaging, office products, newspaper, broadcasting and online media industries. The Company’s historic records date from 1554 to the present day. Consulted by scholars since the mid-eighteenth century they are a key archival source for the history of the English book trade and the development of copyright.
Each year we host an Archive Evening, which offers visitors a chance to see its historic Hall and to engage with the history of the Company, and its role in the development of printing, publishing and society in England. This year’s programme, on Monday 23rd April, will focus on the Company’s newly completed archive centre, and the rich research potential of the Company’s archive. Further details of the event are available on our website.
For the first time, we will also be holding an afternoon workshop on using the Stationers’ Company Archive. Further details of this, and of how to apply, can be found on the website. Numbers are restricted for attendance at the workshop, but we’re very keen to include participants from as wide a range of backgrounds as possible – archive, library and museum professionals alongside academic researchers, students, and anyone interested in using the Stationers’ Company Archive.