2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the death of John Baskerville (1707–75) a Birmingham industrialist and Enlightenment figure who made his fortune through the manufacture of fashionable japanware whilst forging a worldwide reputation as a printer. Baskerville is probably best known for the typeface which now bears his name, his typographic experiments put him ahead of his time, had an international impact and did much to enhance the printing industry of his day whilst the volumes he created in Birmingham are recognised as masterpieces of the art and craft of book making which ‘went forth to astonish all the librarians of Europe’. As well as printing in Birmingham Baskerville also became printer to the University of Cambridge, from where he issued four editions of the Book of Common Prayer and his great folio Bible which is still regarded as one of the world’s most beautifully printed books.

To commemorate the anniversary of his death there will be a three month exhibition celebrating Baskerville, the man and the typeface in the main foyer of the Library of Birmingham.

More information to follow