Nutshell Trade Services is proudly presenting a new series in which we look at people in print and more importantly, their stories. We believe everyone has a great story to tell and we are providing the platform to share and be heard.

From those just starting their first jobs in print, to others who have now finished their careers, let’s hear from the past, present and future of our industry.

First in the chair we have…

Alan Crocker – In charge of running print machines in factories and later at schools. [1966 to 2019]

Tell us about your print story? 

I started working in the print industry at the age of 17. I worked for a company that printed cigarette packages (Mardon Son & Hall). I began by working on equipment from pre-second world war; in 1969 it was swapped with new rotary technology. The new machinery was much more effective, and production increased by over triple a day. Once again in the ‘70s, new technology was introduced, the workforce decreased, and production went up. I continued to work there till 2000 when I began work in a school’s (Clifton College) printing department.

What are some of your strongest print memories from when you were younger?

Sound-wise I can remember walking into the factory and hearing the old presses going. It was horrendous; they were so loud! Print is a very noisy industry even to this day. I can also remember the smell of the solvent, it smelt like ethane in the air. Even though we would wear overalls, I could still smell it on my clothes when I would get home.

Why do you believe there is so much pride for print? 

Gosh! There is such pride in the industry. For me it was, at the end of the day, seeing the finished product and what you have been working on all day that would fill me with pride.

Why is print important to you?

I have a bible where you read a verse a day. I have read that bible probably more than 20 times. However, I always find something new when I read it. The printed, written word is so important. It is history, and it is discovery. I also have a collection of fictional books that I like to read repeatedly, and every time I find something I missed or took indifferently.

What are your predictions for the future of print?

There will always be a need for print and something physical. I used to read my books on a kindle. However, I have gone back to physical books as there is something special about them, especially in the digital world. There will always be a place for print!

Want to feature in our next “My Print Story” feature? Email rob@nutshellcreative.co.uk