Rampant Lions Press

Rampant Lions Press (1949-2008) was a fine letterpress printing firm founded by Will Carter (1912-2001) and continued by his son Sebastian (b. 1941). Based in Cambridge, UK, the fine design and press skills of both Carters was highly esteemed by publishers who commissioned special editions and by collectors. The press also did a fair amount of job printing: invitations, letterheads and the like.

From the description of Rampant Lions Press ephemera 1955-1990 1975-1988 (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 741522692

William Nicholas Carter (generally known as Will Carter) was born in Slough, Berkshire (England) on September 24, 1912. Carter was foremost a printer, but also designed letters and did his own carving. He founded the Rampant Lions Press in 1924. He published his first book in 1936, and officially turned the Rampant Lions Press into a business in 1949 in Cambridge, England. His son, Sebastian, joined him in the press during the 1960s and eventually took over in 1991. Will died in Cambridge on March 17, 2001. The Rampant Lions Press officially closed in 2008.

From the description of Rampant Lions Press Collection, 1961-2001 (University of California, Los Angeles). WorldCat record id: 476907857

Biography

William Nicholas Carter (generally known as Will Carter) was born in Slough, Berkshire (England) on September 24, 1912. Carter was foremost a printer, but also designed letters and did his own carving. He founded the Rampant Lions Press in 1924 after visiting the Oxford University Press. Will Carter published his first book in 1936, and officially turned the Rampant Lions Press into a business in 1949 in Cambridge following a stint in the Navy during World War II. He married Barbara Digby in 1939, and the couple had four children (one boy and three girls).

Will Carter's son, Sebastian, joined him in the press during the 1960s and eventually took over in 1991. He toured the United States on multiple occasions, including 1961 and 1967, and lectured at UCLA. He was made an Officer of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1989. Will died in Cambridge on March 17, 2001. The Rampant Lions Press officially closed in 2008.

From the guide to the Rampant Lions Press Collection, 1961-2001, (University of California, Los Angeles. William Andrews Clark Memorial Library)