News

colin gillman - 10 March 2008

Lawrence will be sadly missed by many. He was one of the most charming people that I have had the pleasure of knowing in our industry.

Josh Brooks - 10 March 2008

Lawrence was a great columnist for PrintWeek and most of all a lovely guy. He will be sadly missed.

Simon Eccles - 10 March 2008

As everyone else will say, Lawrence was a true gentleman of the print industry. He wasn’t just an academic historian, he played a real part in the enormous electronic typesetting and pre-press revolution that swept the industry in the second half of the 20th Century.

He was hugely knowledgeable, unfailingly polite and simply a very nice person. I could phone him any time for clarification of some obscure point of technical detail on anything from the past 500 years and he’d usually have an answer, and if not he’d offer an entertaining piece of informatiion about something else entirely.

Lawrence was good enough to help me out as a junior printing hack a quarter century ago and even in recent years he’d often e-mail me with an encouraging comment about some article or other I’d written for PrintWeek. I loved to read his column throughout the past decade.

We’re lucky that there are still some gentlemen (and women) left in our industry, but with the passing of Lawrence we’ve lost one of the best.

Simon Eccles

Lauretta Roberts - 10 March 2008

One of the most eloquent, generous, intelligent and amusing individuals I have ever met. A one-off with a knowledge and passion for print that will never be matched. He was a great support to everyone on PrintWeek when I was on the magazine and we all adored him. I wish I had Lawrence's unique talent for words in order that I could do him justice properly but few people can claim to have that... Such sad news.

Russell Hicks - 10 March 2008

Such sad news indeed. I had the great pleasure of working with Lawrence for some years at AM International, and the honour of being able to work closely with him on a number of international trips for that company, visiting some of the organisations far flung dealer outposts.

As many have already said here, Lawrence was indeed a true gentleman, and terrific company. I am still in shock at this sad news, but like many, I suspect, will find more time for further reflection on the many pleasant meetings that I enjoyed with Lawrence.

Russ Hicks

caroline Archer - 10 March 2008

I was trying to remember when I first met him - but can't! It seems Lawrence has always been there.

However, I think the first time Lawrence and I had any significant contact was the early 1990s when I began researching the Kynoch Press and how the wider printing industry had managed the transition from letterpress to litho from metal type to computer typesetting. It was a subject close to Lawrence's heart and he and I had many a conversation on the subject and his advise, support, guidance and encouragement were much appreciated.

Even as a rooky researcher Lawrence treated me as seriously and respectfully as if I had had the same years of experience and knowledge as he had. He never lost patience with my naive hypothesis, he would simply and gently guide my thoughts in the right direction.

Lawrence was great egalitarian who treated everyone the same.

For the past 18 years Lawrence and I continued to share information and ideas on the history of printing. We both had an interest in Leonard Jay, head of the Birmingham School of Printing, whose biography Lawrence had written back in the 1950s. I was delighted when Lawrence encouraged me to pick up his work on Jay and take his research a step further.

Only last October I wrote a Prints’ Past which opened: ‘I often get mistaken for Lawrence Wallis; or rather some readers’ think Caroline Archer is the nom de plume of my fellow columnist! I’m rather flattered although I don’t know how Lawrence feels.’

Lawrence immediately replied:

Dear Caroline

I have just read your PWK column of 11 October 2007 and feel that I owe you an apology. That people should mistake you for me is a calumny and insult to you, I do hope that you are not contemplating taking legal action against me: a warning the coffers are empty!

Typical Lawrence.

Like everyone else, I shall miss this kind and gentle soul who knew more about the printing industry than I can ever hope to know.

Jo Francis - 10 March 2008

I can but echo the comments of my former colleagues. Lawrence truly was one of life’s special people. Thoughtful, cultured, and with such a wonderful sense of humour. His prose was a delight and his column was acutely observed and packed with the sort of insights that only he, with his incredible depth of knowledge about the industry and its history, could deliver. We shan’t see his like again. He was fondly known as “the divine Wallis” in the PrintWeek office, I am imagining him sitting on a cloud now having a chat with Caxton.

David Turner - 10 March 2008

For me, reading Lawrence's column was something to look forward every time I opened my new issue of Printweek. Like Lawrence, I was one of the old school comps who made the transition into new technology, so he was someone I could relate to. But although he had a traditional background, his column was always relevant having a fresh approach to the issues of today. He was one of the reason why Printweek is such a good publication and will be greatly missed by many readers.

Paul Foster - 10 March 2008

Lawrence was one of the nicest people ever known to me. I was first introduced to him in 1973 when I joined Monotype as a youngster trying to come to grips with the new technology of film setting! His knowledge of our industry and his helpful attitude to others was second to none and there is no doubt that he will be sadly missed.

Paul Foster, Ripware Limited

Andy Scott - 10 March 2008

Andy Scott - Collins Scott Marketing.

Lawrence was a true character of the industry, a one-off, and as such sadly his passing sees an industry great disappear. A joy to work with and talk to, he had knowledge and experience that held him in such high esteem, and rightly so.

A sad day but I have fond memories and consider myself fortunate that our paths crossed and we could share an experience or two.

Jon Bracken - 10 March 2008

Jon Bracken - Kodak

The most charming of men, Lawrence’s wit and self-depreciating style made him a delight to speak with or to read. To paraphrases Beatrice Warde, his writing was the refuge of all (our) arts, against the ravages of time. His knowledge and love for our industry will be missed.

Matt Whipp - 10 March 2008

On behalf of Di Thompson - Pluspoint PR

I was lucky enough to be the journalist chosen to profile Lawrence Wallis in August 1992 when he retired from AM International. At the time I dubbed him a “Man of Letters” who was a “teacher, preacher and zealot for his trade”.

My article began: “Typesetting and Lawrence Wallis are synonymous. They go together like bread and butter or gin and tonic. Letters and lettering are a passion for him. ‘I can’t tell you want I feel if I see lovely typesetting or lettering. It exalts me,’ he says.”

To every trade journalist (and to so many others in the trade as well) he was always infinitely kind, taking the time and trouble to explain and expand on typographical, technological or other industry issues. He was always highly respected and his knowledge, writing skills and charm will long be remembered. I am very proud to have some of his books on my shelf.

ANTHONY Kennett - 10 March 2008

Lawrence had an attention to detail and an in depth knowledge of our industry which I found amazing. A gentleman prepared to give advice and share his knowledge however unimportant the question. I consider myself fortunate to have known him.

Tony Kennett - Henry Ling Limited

Annie Hotton - 11 March 2008

Annie Hotton - 11 March 2008

Lawrence Wallis was the dearest man and a true gentleman. In his lovely gentle way he would always say something uplifting and make me smile. He was my mentor. He recommended me to help with the PR for St Bride Library and nominated me for membership to the Wynkyn de Worde Society which I have enjoyed so much over the years. After his move to Plymouth and in recent years he was not so able to make the meetings and I would write to him and give him an overview of proceedings which he much enjoyed.

I was introduced to Lawrence by Alan Stephenson. Coming into the business of print as a late starter Lawrence gave me confidence and taught me so much. On one particular occasion Alan asked him to give me a whole day's tuition on plate technology. This learning has been invaluable. Lawrence made it fun. One of his wonderful qualities, and there were many, was that he had a great desire to share his knowledge. He wanted to pass on all that he had learnt through his experiences. He had endless stories to tell and always with humour and humility. It was my privilege to know this learned man. I will miss the twinkle in his eyes. A light has gone out in my world.

Annie Hotton - PR Consultant

martyn elmy - 11 March 2008

As others have said Lawrence was a really nice man, having worked alongside him in his days at Monotype, AM and PrintWeek he was always charming and authoritative.

For many years he lived near me in Bedfordshire and we often shared stories about the 'good old days' of early photo-typesetting at Clays.

When we launched our CCDot plate-reader Lawrence was one of the first to see its potential and helped to bring it to the attention of the industry.

Lawrence RIP (and he would certainly have said that's also an abbreviation for Raster Image Processor).

Geoff Stephens - 12 March 2008

Champion of typography, lover of words and gentleman of the trade, Lawrence was, as many on old comp would say, 'nonpareil'.

Andrew Tribute - 12 March 2008

I first met Lawrence in the early 1960s and started working with him as a supplier, adviser or journalist from the mid 1970s. Apart from being one of the real gentlemen of the industry, he was amazingly knowledgeable on all subjects, but above all was incredibly approachable. He was also a fabulously entertaining speaker particularly when he ventured off the subject. He will be deeply missed. As a fellow scribe I will miss his wonderful way with words and his ability to put today's developments into context. I will particularly miss him as a good friend.

David Devereux - 13 March 2008

David Devereux-Monotype/PCS/aHEAD International

When Lawrence’s son Jonathan phoned me last Monday morning to tell me of his death, I could hardly believe my ears. We had indulged in our weekly phone chat just the previous week, sorting out world’s affairs as usual. He seemed in good health and was looking forward to staying with his sister in London for a few days. We had been good friends for some 42 years, from the time I first met Lawrence as a raw recruit when I joined Monotype in the mid sixties.

One of my most vivid memories concerning Lawrence was when we were both at a seminar in South Africa. He had been invited to speak at the Graphtec ’87 exhibition held in a conference centre just outside Johannesburg. It was a rare occasion during the dark days of Apartheid. Lawrence’s ‘spot’ was immediately after a truly sumptuous lunch, with the best of South Africa’s wine flowing freely. The seminar was unusual in that the audience had to pay quite a high price to attend. The object of the seminar was to update the printers and publishers on the latest technologies in printing. Having sat through the morning session mostly taken up with suppliers representatives reading their scripts in a mono-syllable voice, the stage was hardly set fair for Lawrence’s contribution.

With some of the audience still staggering back to their places after lunch, Lawrence was announced by Mike Hilton, who had organized the event. Lawrence walked to the lectern with his notes in his hand. Looking out over the audience, he obviously decided that there was a good chance of some serious sleeping likely. Stepping back to the lectern, he grabbed his papers and threw them high in the air over his shoulder to the gasp of some in the audience.

Without any notes or prompts, Lawrence kept the audience enthralled telling them, in his usual laid back manner about the latest developments in pre-press and general trends within the printing industry in England and the US. He held their attention for over an hour. When he had finished, to his amazement from the look on his face, the whole audience rose up as one and clapped him for several minutes.

But my most treasured possession relating to Lawrence is concerned with the last book he wrote regarding a printer he had admired from the past, entitled George W Jones; Printer Laureate. Although he had help from a number of his friends in printing regarding some of the facts, he confessed to me that he was finding it difficult to finish the writing to his very high standard. I did my best to encourage him during our weekly phone conversations, and even helped in a small way with some detail he was unsure about. The book was eventually completed and published in 2004. In his usual most generous way, he insisted that I have a copy of the finished book and inside the front cover he wrote in his meticulous handwriting: ‘To David. A dear and loyal friend and constant source of encouragement. Best regards, Lawrence.

I count myself a very lucky man to have had such a friend.

David Devereux

Ian Dunsmore - 13 March 2008

Please forgive the intrusion from people not involved in the print industry, but we were very fortunate to live next door to Lawrie and his wife Peggy for the last 15 years of their time in Bedfordshire, and remained in close contact, with several visits, after they moved to Plymouth.

Lawrie was, as has been said many times, a wonderful man, and a true friend. We spent many happy evenings with him, enjoying good food, fine wine, and of course excellent conversation. He came round to every party or barbecque we hosted, and our friends became his friends. We were held responsible by Lawrie, on the odd occasion, for being a tad over-generous with the red wine, but this didn't stop him returning the next time, or the next....for this reason, and numerous others, we will be raising our glasses to Lawrie on many occasions to come, as we remember the good times spent with him. He left an indelible mark on our lives (thanks to Alan Guy, a fellow socialist and friend of Lawrie's for inspiring that line), and he will never be forgotten.

Lynne and Ian, Maulden

Brian Bartram - 14 March 2008

LAWRENCE WALLIS

How do write a comment about a long-time friend and work colleague who has passed on? Surely the only real answer is, with great difficulty. Where do you start? What do you say? There are many things one would like to say. Over a period of nearly 40 years there are literally hundreds of thoughts which come to mind, but are they relevant and of interest to others? Most importantly, will those comments really do justice to the person about who you are writing about?

My first thought is one of great loss. From the first time we met back in the Spring of 1969 when we both joined Crosfield Electronics Limited, we 'hit it off'. Perhaps it was our similarity of background that made this happen. We were both born in 1933—'the year that Hitler came to power' as Lawrence used to frequently point out when ages were discussed. He also never failed to remind me that I was around 20 days older than himself!

We both served Composing apprenticeships from 1948 to 1954. We both had worked in the industry and had seen technological changes on the horizon. Lawrence, being Lawrence, had the foresight to appreciate that change was coming, long before I came to the same conclusion. It was easy to recognise the things which made Lawrence unique. Only a person who named his dog 'Didot' could be a 'real' typesetting expert.

When Lawrence took up a post with PIRA following the demise of the Crosfield Magnaset project, we remained good friends. I had moved, via International Photon Limited and Comprite Limited to AM International based at Hemel Hempstead. Around this time AM were setting up an international marketing headquarters in Brussels. I contacted Lawrence and appraised him of the situation, and as he showed a great deal of interest, put this interest to the AM International organisation, in the certain belief he would be the perfect candidate for such a post.

My belief proved to be correct. Lawrence joined AM International in Brussels and brought to the organisation a professionalism which was unique. International subsidiaries and dealers marketing the AM VariTyper pre-press product line were perhaps served via the input from Lawrence, far better than at any time in the immediate past. The results of his efforts in liaison between the AM market place and the US development facility could be measured by the product sales throughout the various markets.

During this period, whenever Lawrence made his frequent visits to the UK, he stayed with my wife and myself. He preferred to relax in our home rather than some luxurious hotel. He and his family joined us on holiday in the Austrian Tyrol. If I traveled to Brussels, there was generally a request to bring a consignment of English pork sausages!

One aspect of our friendship was a personal interest I have in Military history. Lawrence had served his two years National Service in the Army, as one would guess, training young officers to command and run Army Printing Units. He freely admitted he hated every minute of his army service. To this end, he had made a concerted effort expunge his army number from his memory. Showing interest in my researches into my own family history, made him remember his army number again! I do not believe he ever really forgave me for that.

After becoming one of the casualties of the collapse of AM International, I spent an unhappy period being unemployed. By that time, age was not on my side. Being the friend he was, Lawrence used to telephone me almost every day he was in his office. In 1986 he was instrumental in my application for my successful appointment to the teaching staff of Dunstable College as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Printing and Graphic Arts.

I took early retirement in 1993 and moved to Cornwall. Lawrence still lived at Maulden, Bedfordshire but we continued to speak to each other regularly on the telephone, putting the world to rights. After a while, Lawrence and his wife Peggy, made a decision to move to Plymouth, less than a one hour drive from my own home near St. Austell. We made tentative plans to meet each other in Looe. Unfortunately, health problems with each of our wives never brought those proposed meetings to fruition.

Much of what I wished to say about Lawrence has already be said in previous comments. He was above all, a professional. He was kind, thoughtful, excellent company and above all, one of my greatest friends who will never be forgotten.

Just one last thought Lawrence, my number was 22493517. What was yours?

Brian Bartram

Andrew Boag - 20 March 2008

I didn't receive the sad news until late last week, and it came as something of a shock. It has been good, however to read all these wonderful collected memories, many of which have made me smile, bringing back similar fond memories of my own.

I've kind-of missed Lawrence ever since his move to Plymouth. We did meet up there, but we tended to get together when Lawrence was visiting London. The last time we met, he had read drafts of the Monotype history which I've been project managing for some time, and to which Lawrence, in true deprecating style, has offered his "humble" comments and suggestions. The reality is of course that his input, support, and encouragement has been invaluable.

I really will miss him now.

When I left University teaching for a position at Monotype Typography, I think Lawrence recognised something of the circumstances I found myself in -- he the print technologist without 'academic' credentials, and me the former

academic trying to find my way in the commercial world. I greatly admired his long list of publications, his wide knowledge, patience, and attention to detail -- his down to earth approach provided a salutary lesson. And he

soon provided a regular sounding board for my thoughts and ideas.

He would call me for my opinion as well, which was a mark of our true friendship: of which I, as others have stated, am very proud.

He did help me find my way in the commercial world.

A true pragmatist, he was utterly reliable.

His contribution to recent printing history was of real lasting

significance. Whilst many print historians focus on the first 500 years or so of print and composition, Lawrence advocated that similar emphasis be placed on very recent technologies.

The company that manufactures those white index cards he used for all his reference materials and talks will no doubt feel a drop in sales.

He loved his family and was so proud of their achievements -- my thoughts are with them at this time.

Tony White - 11 April 2008

I cannot see the tributes to Lawrence ever finishing such an unassuming gentleman who always had time for you, he will live on not only in our memories but in the world of print around us. No one who met Lawrence ever forgets him, he was/is one of the outstanding characters in the printing industry. His memory and his works will live on for many, many years. I have only just heard of his untimely departure it all seems so unfair that he has gone.