Adding William Bulmer: The Fine Printer in Context 1757-1830 by Peter C.G. Isaac (1993) to our private library marks a significant milestone. This book is one of the most critical contemporary studies of William Bulmer, a towering figure in the history of British printing. It offers an in-depth exploration of his contributions to typography, his relationships with contemporaries, and the broader historical context of his work. For students, historians, and enthusiasts of printing and typography, this volume is an indispensable resource that sheds light on a pivotal era in the evolution of the printed word.
William Bulmer (1757–1830) was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, a city not typically associated with the fine arts of printing during the 18th century. However, Bulmer’s journey would take him far beyond his provincial roots. After gaining valuable experience in the bustling print culture of London, he forged a partnership with the exceptionally talented type designer William Martin. This collaboration would prove to be a turning point, not only in Bulmer’s career but also in the history of British typography. Together, they established The Shakespeare Press, a printing house that would soon become synonymous with excellence and innovation.
The primary ambition of Bulmer and Martin was to elevate British printing to a level that could rival the finest works of European typographers, particularly those of Giambattista Bodoni of Italy and Pierre Didot of France. At the time, Bodoni and Didot were setting new benchmarks in the world of printing with their elegant, neoclassical typefaces and meticulous attention to detail. Bodoni, in particular, was renowned for his sharp, high-contrast type designs, which embodied the ideals of the Enlightenment with their clarity and precision. Bulmer and Martin sought to create a distinctly British response to these continental innovations, blending classical elegance with a unique national sensibility.
The crowning achievement of The Shakespeare Press was its production of The Boydell Shakespeare (1791–1802), a luxurious series of literary editions that remains one of the most celebrated accomplishments of late 18th-century British typography. This ambitious project, which spanned over a decade, aimed to present William Shakespeare's works in a visually stunning and intellectually rigorous format. The volumes were characterised by their impeccable print quality, precisely engraved illustrations, and elegant typography, all of which reflected Bulmer’s commitment to the principles of “fine printing.” The purity of the text, the harmonious balance of the page layouts, and the exquisite detailing of the illustrations made The Boydell Shakespeare a landmark in the history of bookmaking. It was not merely a collection of plays but a testament to the artistry and technical mastery that Bulmer brought to his craft.
Central to Bulmer’s success was the typeface designed by William Martin, which has since become known as the “Bulmer type.” Inspired by the neoclassical style of Bodoni, Martin’s type designs introduced a more subtle contrast between thick and thin lines, along with softer, more rounded curves. This departure from the stark angularity of Bodoni’s fonts gave the Bulmer type a warmer, more approachable character while retaining the elegance and sophistication of its European counterpart. The Bulmer type quickly became a symbol of British classicism in typography, embodying the ideals of balance, refinement, and clarity that defined the period's aesthetic. Its influence extended well into the 19th century, shaping the work of subsequent generations of printers and typographers across Britain and beyond.
Beyond his contributions to typeface design, Bulmer revolutionised British printing through his relentless pursuit of excellence in every aspect of the craft. He set new standards in paper quality, ensuring his materials were of the highest calibre. His attention to typesetting was meticulous, emphasising perfect alignment and spacing to enhance the readability and visual appeal of the text. Additionally, Bulmer placed great importance on the quality of illustrations, collaborating with some of the finest engravers of his time to produce images that complemented the elegance of his typography. This holistic approach to book production—where every element, from the paper to the ink to the layout, was carefully considered—established Bulmer as a pioneer of fine printing.
Bulmer’s work had a profound and far-reaching impact. His dedication to quality and innovation not only elevated the standards of British printing but also inspired a wave of imitators who sought to replicate his success. Publishers and printers across the country looked to Bulmer as a model of what could be achieved through skill, vision, and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. His influence can be seen in the proliferation of finely printed books throughout the 19th century and the growing appreciation for typography as an art form in its own right.
Peter C.G. Isaac’s William Bulmer: The Fine Printer in Context 1757-1830 provides a comprehensive examination of Bulmer’s life and legacy, placing his achievements within the broader historical and cultural context of his time. The book delves into Bulmer’s relationships with other key figures in the printing world, including artists, typographers, and publishers who shaped the landscape of 18th- and early 19th-century book production. Isaac explores the technical innovations underpinning Bulmer’s success, such as his adoption of new printing techniques and his collaboration with William Martin on developing the Bulmer type. The study also situates Bulmer’s work within the larger trends of the period, such as the rise of Romanticism and the growing demand for luxurious, collectable editions of literary classics.
Isaac’s book is an invaluable resource for printing and typography students. It offers a detailed analysis of Bulmer’s contributions to the field, supported by extensive research and a wealth of historical detail. The book also includes reproductions of pages from The Boydell Shakespeare and other works produced by The Shakespeare Press, allowing readers to appreciate the beauty and precision of Bulmer’s typography firsthand. Furthermore, Isaac provides insights into Bulmer's challenges, such as the economic pressures of running a high-end printing house and the competition from European printers like Bodoni and Didot.
In conclusion, William Bulmer: The Fine Printer in Context 1757-1830 is a fitting tribute to a man who transformed the art of printing in Britain. William Bulmer’s legacy is of innovation, elegance, and an unrelenting pursuit of perfection. Through his partnership with William Martin and the establishment of The Shakespeare Press, he not only competed with the most excellent printers of his era but also set a new standard for what British typography could achieve. His influence continues to be felt in the printing field, and his work remains a source of inspiration for those who value the craft of fine bookmaking. For our private library, this book is more than just a historical study—it celebrates the enduring power of the printed word and the visionaries who bring it to life.
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