Honouring a Birmingham icon: John Baskerville Blue Plaque unveiled

The Birmingham Civic Society has proudly unveiled a Blue Plaque in tribute to John Baskerville — one of the city’s most influential historical figures.

Baskerville is best known for the elegant Baskerville typeface that bears his name. His groundbreaking work in printing transformed how books were produced, making the process faster and the results more refined.

The plaque presentation was held at The Exchange, hosted by the University of Birmingham and supported by the Baskerville Society. The event brought together civic pride and historical legacy in a fitting celebration of Baskerville’s achievements.

We were honoured to welcome the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, who formally presented the plaque. Professor Ian Grosvenor, a member of the Civic Society’s Heritage Committee, shared thoughtful reflections on Baskerville’s lasting impact on typography and publishing.

This tribute not only celebrates Baskerville’s legacy but also highlights Birmingham’s rich heritage of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Whether you’re a design enthusiast, historian, or proud Brummie, the John Baskerville Blue Plaque is a must-see landmark celebrating the city’s enduring impact on the world of print.