Perry Smythe: Born again 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 previous one, we 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 tranquil corner of Edgbaston's historic Winterbourne House, the rhythmic clatter of a Heidelberg printing press fills the air once more. Perry Smythe, a retired printer with a lifetime of stories etched into his hands, is reunited with the machine that shaped his youth. Now lovingly crafting cards for the Winterbourne gift shop, Perry's journey began in the bustling printing houses of 1960s Birmingham. At just 16, he heeded the advice of his career master and entered the printing industry, a powerhouse in its prime as the nation's fifth-largest trade. His apprenticeship as a Letterpress machine minder unfolded on the third floor of a modest press house on Summer Row, where ink, ambition, and tradition intertwined.

On his very first day as an apprentice, young Perry Smythe stood before an Arab press, its gears and levers embodying the heart of traditional printing. Little did he know that this machine—now a cherished exhibit in Winterbourne's Press Museum—was the prologue to a remarkable career. After six industrious years, Perry climbed the ranks, eventually shouldering the responsibility for an impressive sixty thousand pounds turnover. It was a defining chapter, but Perry’s restless ambition and keen business sense drove him further.

Spotting a gap in the market that others had overlooked, Perry boldly purchased a Crossland Platten, a cutting and creasing machine that opened doors to new opportunities. The move was both a risk and a revelation, as the machine became the cornerstone of his growing enterprise. With every precise cut and expertly creased sheet, Perry's printing ventures flourished, cementing his reputation as a resourceful and innovative figure in the industry. Today, Winterbourne's gift shop now serves as a fitting tribute to this legacy, bringing his story full circle.

It’s a tale of ambition, grit, and growth. In 1978 Perry began his career humbly, leaving his employer to work for himself from the comfort of his home. What started as a one-man operation quickly blossomed into a flourishing business, as Perry's dedication and talent drew a steady stream of orders. Recognising the potential for expansion, Perry took the bold leap of opening his own factory, aptly naming his company Salamander Walking—a name that would soon become unforgettable within the printing industry.

Salamander Walking attracted prestigious clients, including Dunlop, Henkel Chemicals, and Jaguar, solidifying its reputation for quality and reliability. As the business thrived, Perry enlisted the support of his wife, Wendy. Her strategic acumen proved invaluable, as she skilfully managed new companies and the influx of orders. Together, they propelled Salamander Walking to new heights.

Success came with challenges, and the increasing demand for both printing and packing orders necessitated a move to larger premises. This prompted the purchase of additional machinery, a testament to Perry's willingness to reinvest in his vision. By 1978, Salamander Walking had outgrown its humble beginnings and relocated to Langley Drive in Castle Bromwich, marking a significant milestone in the company’s evolution.

The relocation came with another triumph—the workforce expanded to forty employees, and Salamander Walking’s clientele now included none other than Her Majesty’s Government and The Prince’s Trust Reflecting on this transformative era. Perry described it as an exciting time to be working, a sentiment echoed by the innovative spirit that defined his journey.

Today, Perry’s story serves as an inspiring example of entrepreneurial resilience and ambition, proving that even modest beginnings can lead to monumental achievements when fuelled by passion and perseverance. The legacy of Salamander Walking remains a symbol of ingenuity in the printing world, and Perry’s name continues to shine as brightly as the company he built from the ground up.

Following thirty years in the industry Salamander Walking took its final bow, a seismic shift was rippling through the global economy. The year was 2008, and the financial crisis was not just a headline—it was a force that left no stone unturned, no industry untouched. For Salamander Walking, the timing of its closure seemed a poignant echo of the broader economic turmoil.

The recession triggered a chain reaction: businesses struggled to access credit, as banks, scarred by the credit crunch, became reluctant to lend. It wasn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet; it was about the tangible consequences felt across industries, particularly the printing trade.

Perry Smythe at Winterbourne (credit: Julia Greaves)

As businesses faced tightening budgets, marketing materials were among the first expenditures to be cut. The decline in demand for printed brochures, flyers, and advertisements struck at the core of the printing industry. Job losses piled up, creating a feedback loop of financial hesitation. With fewer companies willing to invest in print marketing, the future looked bleak. One by one, printing companies—some with decades of history behind them—were forced to shut their doors.

The story of Salamander Walking’s end became emblematic of a wider narrative: an era marked by survival of the fittest, resilience in the face of economic adversity, and a collective reckoning with the fragility of industries we once believed unshakable.

While the credit crunch has faded into the history books, the echoes of its impact continue to remind us how interconnected our economic systems truly are. For the printing trade, it wasn’t just the end of Salamander Walking—it was the end of an era.

After the challenging closure of his printing business, Perry Smythe uncovered an unexpected treasure at Winterbourne House—the Arab press he once worked with in his youth. Inspired by the sight of this familiar machine, Perry stepped into a new chapter as a volunteer at the press, embracing his role with enthusiasm. Initially, Perry demonstrated the Arab press to visitors, reviving its historic charm and sharing his knowledge from his early days at printing school. His passion soon extended to producing shop items, starting with simple black ink prints. Over time, Perry introduced splashes of vibrant colour, adding a touch of joy to the products. His excitement reached new heights three years ago with the arrival of the Heidelberg printing machine—the “king” of presses Perry had operated during his career.

With unmatched expertise, Perry breathes new life into the Heidelberg, creating cards and other gift shop items that continue to delight visitors. Reflecting on this chapter, Perry described his feelings as “over the moon,” and shared how volunteering at Winterbourne House fills him with profound happiness—a testament to his lifelong dedication to the art of printing.

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.