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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 who 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 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, his 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’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. This approach was not born out of restlessness but rather deep desire to expand his knowledge and expertise. Each role offered new challenges and insights, enriching his understanding of the trade, and positioning him as a well-rounded professional. Over the years, Phil lent his talents to several companies such as Albert Cartwright printers, Nuffield Press, BICC Cable Co, Lucas Engraving, St Nicolas Press and finally at Dams & Lock.
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 25 years until his retirement at the age of 60.
Phil’s rediscovery of the printing trade at Winterbourne 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.
Written by Julia Greaves, with Phil Wheatley
Winterbourne Press Volunteers