Baddeley Brothers have been engraving, die stamping and making envelopes in London since 1859. The family’s roots in the trade go back further still, to die sinkers and engravers working on the edge of the City in the 18th century. One of them, John James Baddeley, went on to become Lord Mayor of London. The business is still family run today, with brothers Charles and Chris Pertwee as directors.
They recently moved to Tupos House in Woodford, north east London, named after the Greek word for impression. It’s the company’s 22nd home. A team of around 25 runs a dozen or so small presses, doing work few printers still offer: engraving, die stamping, letterpress, blind embossing, foiling, gilt edging and envelopes made by hand. Designers, brands and private clients come to them for stationery made properly. Their story is told in the book Baddeley Brothers by the Gentle Author, designed by David Pearson.
