Printer is star in BBC programme (From Ledbury Reporter)

Printer is star in BBC programme

10:00am Saturday 9th February 2013 in News

A PRINTER thought it was a joke when the BBC called for help on a programme on railway history.

Martin Clarke, of Tilley Printers in Ledbury, was bemused by the call on The History of the Railways.

But Tilley’s, which has a heritage going back to Victorian days, had been recommended by a research panel looking for authentic scenes, for the filming of the BBC series.

Soon TV presenter Dan Snow and the BBC film crew were arriving at Mr Clarke’s workshops.

They explained that, in the 19th century when the UK was gripped with railway fever, pamphlets and plans would have been produced quickly so that the businessmen and investors could rush to Parliament and submit their freshly printed applications for new lines.

Mr Clarke’s role for the filming was to arrange the letters on his print setting board, ink them and print on to fine parchments, which he then handed to Dan Snow who rushed down the stone stairs and out into the street.

After a few ‘takes’, the filming was completed and the television director, happy with the ‘wrap’, then moved to Church Lane in Ledbury where Dan Snow could be seen walking slowly. Mr Clarke said: “Dan Snow was very professional and utterly charming, even ordering some stationery which I was happy to custom-make for him.”

Mr Clarke joined the business as an apprentice to his brother, after leaving school.

Luke Tilley, one of five brothers, originally came to Ledbury in 1869 to start a business as a stationer and printer.

The programme was screened in January.