Zeitgeist


unapologetically passionate about the power of print to share information and inspiration with everyone, and particularly its ability to enable lifelong learning.


“The Printing Charity is here to help people whose work brings this crucial communication channel to life, and I am proud to play a part in supporting them as 2026 Printing Charity President.” Having written 30 books, including her bestselling title ‘Coming to England’, which is now part of the UK National Curriculum, Baroness Benjamin is very aware of the influence of print, not only as a means to share information but shape the future generations.


It therefore shows that this advocate for the charity must be someone who is aware of current issues to provide as much support as possible for this crucial industry – a thought process shown by many of the influential names who have held the role.


CHARLES DICKENS, 1843 AND 1864 Perhaps the most well-known name on the list, his first tenure came at the time he wrote his magnum opus, ‘A Christmas Carol’. It was an instant hit and revitalised the Christmas tradition in Britain. It, along with many of his other novels, portrayed the


struggles of impoverished Brits during the Victorian era, and he used his work to highlight this dark side of society. When serving as president the second time, he said: “The printer is a faithful servant, not only of those connected with the business, but of the public at large, and has therefore, when labouring under infirmity or disease, an especial claim on all for support.”


A role embedded in history


FORMER PRIME MINISTERS, IMPACTFUL NOVELISTS, AND ESTABLISHED ROYALTY, ALL THESE PEOPLE HAVE SHARED THE SAME ROLE AS PRESIDENT OF THE PRINTING CHARITY. IT HAS BEEN HELD BY KEY FIGURES IN BRITISH HISTORY ALL CURRENT TO THEIR TIME AND AS THE ORGANISATION IS SET TO WELCOME ITS NEWEST HOLDER, WE LOOK BACK AT SOME OF THE BIGGER NAMES TO HAVE HELD THE ROLE.


It’s that time of year again when The Printing Charity announces its new president to see the organisation through 2026.


Baroness Floella Benjamin has accepted the role, taking


over from the Rt Hon Baroness Theresa May. It is an honorary role with the person acting as ambassador of the charity and presenting a keynote speech at its Annual Luncheon held in November. Still, its significance to the organisation and indeed the wider society is critical as the figure not only represents The Printing Charity, but is also often an indicator of the current state of the nation. There have been 199 presidents since the charity’s inception in 1827 with the Baroness Floella Benjamin being the latest.


When taking on the role, she said: “As an author, I’m 34 | February/March 2026


DAME VERA LYNN, 1980 The charity’s first female president, she was known as ‘The Force’s Sweetheart’, having covered the wartime anthem ‘We’ll meet again’. Throughout her life, she remained a symbol of resilience and hope, and travelled to perform live for troops. She was a dedicated individual with having done a lot of work for charity during her career.


KING CHARLES III, 1977 For the charity’s 150th anniversary, it was blessed with a truly special president. At the time he was in office, our current king was the Prince of Wales, but his contribution to the charity has continued even after his tenure. His Majesty is now the organisation’s patron as it heads


towards its 200th anniversary in 2027. THE ROLE


Other honourable mentions include former prime ministers, such as Theresa May, Benjamin Disraeli and William Gladstone; press barons, and Diana, the Princess of Wales, who held the role in 1989. With so many big names, it is difficult to focus on only a


few, but all who held the position did so with enthusiasm and dedication. Neil Lovell, the charity’s CEO, said: “The Printing Charity’s nearly 200-year history of presidents is an illustrious rollcall that includes politicians, royalty and print industry innovators. That the presidency continues to attract influential figures such as this year’s appointee, Baroness Benjamin, highlights the ongoing importance and relevance of the print sector and the people who work within it today.” Print has always been key to society since it was invented, and this is something recognised by those who take up this role. They knew how important it was to look out for those in this honourable industry and how being there to support them is a benefit for all of society.


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