Norris Modern Press Sign
Description: Fascia sign/board, with gilt letters on green ground, framed and glazed. Lettering reads: 'The Norris Modern Press Limited/printers, Stationers, Post Card publishers'.
Samuel Norris, founder of the Manx Reform League in 1903, imprisoned by Lord Raglan in 1916, was a prominent member of the Manx legislature for 22 years. He was also a prolific journalist and author, and a successful self-made printer and publisher. His memoirs are an indispensable source for early 20th century Manx history and have ensured his continuing fame as the best-known public figure of his generation. Norris was occupied from 1904 in setting up the Norris-Meyer Press in partnership with Louis G. Meyer, a skilled letterpress printer. They published an Amusement Gazette in the holiday season, and a series of picture postcards, took on printing commissions, and sold stationery and newspapers. Above all, the business enabled Norris to produce his own publications, thus taking a continuing part in political debate.
At the end of 1905 he produced the first of his Manx Year Books, providing information on 'Manx finances, official salaries, and all aspects of Manx national and local government'. It made available information never hitherto conveniently collected in one easily accessible booklet, and became an essential handbook and source of reference for reformers. (Extract from biography written by Robert Fyson. Kelly, Dollin (general editor), ‘New Manx Worthies’, Manx Heritage Foundation/Culture Vannin, 2006, pp. 348-53.)
Measurements: overall: 180 x 37 cm
Object name: sign
Collection: Social History Collection
ID Number: 1975-0019
Subject tags : #MM100