ONE of Wyre Forest’s most famous sons will be the subject of a talk later this month.
Kidderminster Historical Society hosts on Thursday, January 22 as Dr Malcolm Dick OBE presents ‘John Baskerville (1707-75) from Wolverley: Printer, Businessman and Enlightenment Figure’.
Baskerville, who died in 1775, was born in 1707 on the borders of Wolverley and Kidderminster.
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But he established himself in Birmingham as a major manufacturer of Japanware and Britain’s most significant printer.
The Baskerville font is widely used today.
This presentation looks at the early Worcestershire influences upon his life and the impact of Birmingham on his developing career.
It finishes with an assessment of his importance locally and in the wider world.
Dr Malcolm is honorary associate professor of history and formerly director of the centre for West Midlands history at the University of Birmingham.
He has written extensively on the history of the West Midlands, including books on the history of Birmingham, the Black Country, refugees and on members of the Lunar Society.
In 2016 he co-edited a book on Baskerville with Professor Caroline Archer-Parré.
He is currently editing another book with Caroline which will present recent research on Baskerville.
KHS meetings start at 2.30pm and are still held in the Old Museum of Carpet Building, Stour Vale Mill, Green Street.
There is a small charge for visitors who are most welcome and are asked to book to ensure a seat.
More information about the society and how to book can be found on the website at kdahs.org or Facebook page KidderminsterHistoricalSociety.
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