Tributes have been paid to well-known printer and community stalwart, Peter Roberts, 78, who ran Cotswold Letterpress in Wotton-under-Edge.
Known locally as ‘Pete the Print’, Mr Roberts’ career began in 1964, with a first job as a 17-year-old apprentice compositor in North Wales, learning the craft of printing technologies that had remained unchanged for centuries, including hand-setting lead type into lines and pages. His presence on the town’s high street extended over several decades.
The shop and design studio’s portfolio of clients include the Highgrove Estate at Tetbury and global technology firm Renishaw, which is based on the outskirts of the town. The business, which Mr Roberts ran with his wife Pauline, also incorporated Clarendon Press printers.
Chris Pockett, Head of Corporate Communications at Renishaw, told Stroud Times: “I first met Pete as he was a very reliable long-term supplier to Renishaw, but like many people who live in the area, over the years I also used his services on a personal basis for orders of service for family funerals.
“What struck me about Pete was his warmth, humour and passion for his profession and his business. He taught me a lot about print, including the derivation of the terms ‘upper case’ and ‘lower case’ letters, and he loved to show off his old letterpress machine which was clearly his pride and joy. He was a lovely man, and my thoughts are with Pauline, his family and his many friends.”
Martyn Excell, President of Wotton Rovers FC, said: “Pete was a great supporter of the local community and Wotton Rovers. He was always willing to help with the printing requirements of the Club – programmes, tickets, and leaflets. He was very generous and more often than not, he would not accept payment for his services. He was a local legend and a gentleman.”
Wotton-under-Edge resident, Martin Clarke, added: “I used Clarendon Press for many business publications and Pete was a model of quality and professionalism. His move from Alderley to Wotton High Street in setting up Cotswold Letterpress was so good for the town. Providing a friendly walk-in bespoke service brought him into contact with hundreds of customers and he will be so greatly missed by everyone”
In a recent explanation of the changes his work had seen, Mr Roberts said: “These days the majority of our work is a diverse range of commercial printing, using high-speed digital and lithographic presses. However, we still enjoy fulfilling orders for high-quality letterpress print, using hot foil, embossing and thermographic (raised) print.”
Mr Roberts leaves a daughter, Maxine, and sons Terence and Russell along with his wife, Pauline, who issued a statement on social media to say that her husband had died “following a brief but fierce battle with a short illness”.
She added: “Our family is also profoundly grateful to the staff at Southmead Hospital for the exceptional care and compassion they showed to Pete and to all of us. NHS at its best!”
