Thomas Nelson and Sons:

Spreading the Printed Word

(click image for more information about Nelsons)

An exhibition was held on one of the city's most famous publishers and printers, Thomas Nelson and Sons.  This firm between 1798 and 1968 specialised in producing popular literature, children's books, Bibles and religious and educational texts.

The exhibition chronicled the history of Nelsons and its links with Scotland and the world over the last two hundred years. It charted its history as an international publisher and printer, examined its place in the working lives of its employees, and looks at the impact of its philanthropic activities on the social fabric of Edinburgh.

Visitors will not only get the opportunity to learn about the history of this industry, they can also hear the personal reminiscences of past employees.

This exhibition was launched on August 17th, 2001 at the Museum of Edinburgh.  For pictures of the launch, please click here.  It travelled around various venues including The Water of Leith Visitor Centre (Edinburgh), Bauermeister Books (Edinburgh) and the University of London Library (London).

To view sections of the exhibition online click here