The foundations of Ashley Press...
Since its origins in 1932, making it the oldest printers in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch, the Ashley Press has grown to a team of 7, who between them, combine over 190 years of printing experience and expertise. The business is in its 94th year of trading and has flawlessly made the transition from letterpress to litho printing on paper and card to digital printing on a variety of media including fabric and foamex boards.
The story began in a garden in Sherwood Avenue in Poole, Dorset when Peter's Great Uncle Cyril founded the business. Despite having lost a leg due to Polio, this did not deter him, this incredible man used a pedal powered press using text picked by hand from individual lead type.
He was joined later in 1945 by Peter's Grandad Len after his service in World War Two. In 1964, Peter's Dad Martin started his printing career, partnering with Len and moving the business to Creekmoor Industrial Estate where it thrived further. In 1992, Peter became the third generation of Jones men to join the business working alongside his Dad and Grandad (and often Grandma Doris who was always on hand to make a fresh pot of tea and keep them all in check!) and in 2011 took ownership of the business, moving it to its current location in Fancy Road, Poole, Dorset and building it into the company that it is today.
Pictured below from left to right;
Cyril Jones - Ashley Press Founder
Cyril Jones at Sherwood Avenue with Sam the Boxer dog circa 1963.
Jardine pedal press now on museum display in Devon
Letterpress printing blocks on display at Fancy Road.
Len Jones at Creekmoor Industrial Estate circa. 1988
Martin & Doris Jones and printer Paul at Creekmoor Industrial Estate circa 1988.