Phil Wheatley: Printer to Printer

We have previously posted blogs about important historical figures in the history of printing, but we shouldn’t forget about those who are still working hard to continue this fascinating history. In this blog and the next, we will learn about the career and working life of two former printers, who are currently volunteers at Winterbourne House & Garden.

Julia Greaves, Winterbourne House & Garden Volunteer

In a quiet corner of Birmingham, a seasoned craftsman Phil Wheatley continues to leave his mark – not through the roar of machinery or the bustle of the printing press, but through the quiet rhythm of giving back. Phil, a retired printer, spent five decades amidst the hum of presses and the smell of ink – has found a new chapter in his life dedicated to volunteering at Winterbourne Printing Press.

Using tools that once defined his trade, Phil now channels his skills into Winterbourne projects, from restoring vintage letterpress lettering to creating custom printing for the Winterbourne gift shop. For Phil the tools of his past are more than relics; they are bridges to creativity and a purpose that keeps him as vibrant as the ink he once mastered.

Phil’s printing story began 1954 in the bustling town of West Bromwich. At just fifteen years of age he embarked on a journey that would define his career and identity. Straight out of school he entered the world of printing. Having passed the entrance examination, he joined the Joseph Wells printing firm as an eager apprentice. It is here that Phil’s passion for the craft of printing began to take shape.

Over six formative years, Phil honed his skills under the watchful eye of an old foreman – a man of vast experience and meticulous standards. Starting in the poster department this mentor introduced him to the intricacies of typesetting, teaching him to use the composing stick and from there he moved into the commercial department working alongside a Journeyman – a seasoned compositor who shared practical knowledge and tips that only years of experience could impart. He learned the make-up of magazines, books and intricate railway timetables. This solid foundation laid the groundwork for the compositor Phil was destined to become.

Phil started in the poster department, a lively corner of the printing world. There he worked on vibrant cinema posters, meticulously arranging large wooden types to create bold and striking designs. Over time, his confidence and expertise grew and Phil transitioned into the mechanical typesetting department working on the monotype keyboard.

He charted his own course toward mastery in the intricate arts of composing and typographic design by independently funding his education at night school. To obtain his final City & Guilds qualification he had to complete a mechanical typesetting course thus enabling him to move into working on the monotype keyboard setting Rover workshop manuals, parts lists and other publications in various languages.

Phil at work at Winterbourne (credit: Julia Greaves)

Phil’s career in the printing industry was more than just a job – it was a journey filled with creativity, variety, and constant evolution. From the very beginning, Phil found himself captivated by the nature of the work, where no two days were alike. One moment, he would be crafting a detailed bus timetable, and the next, designing an eye-catching menu for a local restaurant. This diversity kept the work fresh and engaging, igniting Phil’s passion for the trade.

He embraced a unique philosophy in his professional life: every couple of years, Phil would change jobs within the printing industry. Each role offered new challenges and insights, enriching his understanding of the trade, and positioning him as a well-rounded professional. Eventually Phil transitioned into sales with Albert Cartwright printers as a trainee sales representative – a move that combined his technical knowledge with his natural aptitude for building relationships. This shift paved the way for one of the most notable chapters of his career; his time with the British Motor Corporation. At Longbridge, he worked as a liaison officer for Nuffield Press, the corporation’s vast printing division supplying full colour literature for Austin and Morris cars.

Over the years, Phil lent his talents to several other companies such as BICC Cable Co, Lucas Engraving, St Nicolas Press and finally at Dams & Lock a Birmingham printer for over seventy years.

When the owner of Dams & Lock retired, the works director and Phil organised a management buyout. His dedication and vision saw him rise from sales representative to sales manager progressing further to sales director; a position he held for over twenty five years until his retirement at the age of sixty.

Phil’s rediscovery of the printing trade at Winterbourne House was nothing short of serendipitous. After more than a decade away from the industry, a simple stroll around the site led him to the printing press – a hidden gem he hadn’t known existed. The moment he stepped into the printing room, he described it as ‘a breath of fresh air.’ The familiar scent of ink and the sight of the machines transported him back in time, rekindling his deep-seated connection to the craft.

There, he met one of the volunteers Peta Goodman, who was diligently working to preserve the art of printing. As she demonstrated her knowledge, she inquired if anyone knew more than she did. Phil couldn’t hold back his expertise and confessed he had spent a lifetime mastering the very skills she was describing. What began as an innocent encounter turned into an opportunity to reignite his passion and sparked a new chapter in his life. As he put it, it was ‘like coming out to play again.’

Phil has embraced the chance to share the skills he had honed over the years, ensuring they will not be lost to time. For Phil, volunteering at Winterbourne House is not just about teaching; it is about reliving the joy and creativity that has defined his career.

Phil’s story illustrates how passion and purpose have a way of finding their way back. By stepping back into the printing world, Phil has not only preserved a craft but also rediscovered a piece of himself.

Julia Greaves is a part-time English teacher in Birmingham, a lino print artist, and a new volunteer at Winterbourne printing press. Julia designs and sells her artwork in local galleries and writes about people's lives for local publications. She also enjoys turning life stories into short plays, bringing personal experiences to the stage.