Craft Focus - December 2020/January 2021 (Issue 82)

76 Tell us a little bit about the history behind Search Press. Where are you based? Who started the company and when? The company was founded in 1970 by my mother Charlotte de la Bedoyere. She published her very first title – Basket Weaving  – from an attic room in Kensington. This was translated from a German original and was to be the first of many titles. Her vision was simple, to publish small, well-priced books that were packed with practical information, offering crafters new ideas and inspiration. The market loved them and so she continued, introducing full colour and developing a successful series of practical art books – the Leisure Arts range. In the early ’80s, Lotti (as everyone still knows her) moved the business to Tunbridge Wells, establishing a warehouse and offices. We’re still there to this day. The business grew as Lotti developed new series and commissioned a more extensive range. In 1997, she retired, and I took over as managing director, with Caroline, my wife, looking after sales and marketing. We both had extensive publishing experience at senior levels but were new to the art and craft sector. You’re celebrating 50 years – what does this mean to the company? It’s a huge milestone to be celebrating half a century as an independent, family-owned business. Unfortunately, because of Covid19, most of our celebration plans have had to be put on hold which was a great shame as we had a number of events planned for “In North America we’re distributed by Penguin Random House, the biggest player in that market. The US market is huge for us. We have a sales and marketing off ice there, and have great relations with the US chains and indies.” FABULOUS AT Martin de la Bedoyere, managing director and Caroline de la Bedoyere, director, discuss Search Press, the family-run company that has been paving the way in craft titles for half a century! 50 Early Days Christmas Party in the ‘70s (Lotti seated) 1970 publications