Last Updated on February 15, 2024 by Iain
The Story of Blackwells Oxford
Introduction
Blackwell UK, widely recognized as Blackwell’s, is a prominent British academic book retailer and library supply service. It’s a part of the Waterstones group and has a rich history dating back to 1879.
Early Beginnings
Founding
The company was founded by Benjamin Henry Blackwell in Oxford. Inspired by his father’s commitment to education and the Temperance Society, Benjamin opened the first store on Broad Street.
Benjamin Henry Blackwell: The Legacy of a Visionary Bookseller and Politician
The Origins of a Bookshop Icon
Benjamin Henry Blackwell, born on January 10, 1849, and passing on October 26, 1924, stands as a notable figure in Oxford’s history.
He was not only a pioneering bookseller but also an influential local politician.
His most lasting contribution was the establishment of the Blackwell’s chain of bookshops, a name synonymous with Oxford’s literary culture.
Early Life and Aspirations
Blackwell’s journey began at 46 High Street in St Clement’s, Oxford, where he was born into a literarily inclined family.
His father, Benjamin Harris Blackwell, was a librarian, and his mother, Nancy “Ann” Stirling Lambert, fostered a home environment rich in books and learning.
However, Blackwell’s formal education ceased when he was just 13.
He embarked on an apprenticeship with Charles Richards, a local bookseller, nurturing a dream to become a librarian like his father.
Despite facing a setback when his lack of formal education led to a rejection for the position of City Librarian for Cardiff, Blackwell remained undeterred.
His diary entries reveal a persistent ambition to carve out his own path in the book trade.
The Original Blackwells Oxford – B.H. Blackwell’s Bookshop
In 1879, Blackwell’s perseverance bore fruit as he opened B.H. Blackwell’s on Broad Street in Oxford.
This venture not only cemented his reputation in the local literary scene but also paved the way for his entry into politics.
As a result of his growing local profile, he successfully campaigned and served as a Liberal councillor for Oxford North.
Recognition and Legacy
Blackwell’s contributions to the city and the literary world were recognized when he received the Freedom of the City of London in 1920.
His death in 1924 marked the end of an era, but his legacy lived on through the bookshops he founded, which continued to be a beacon for book lovers and scholars alike.
His widow, Lilla, survived him until 1928, witnessing the growing influence of the bookshop chain they had started together.
Blackwell’s life story, from his humble beginnings on High Street to becoming a distinguished figure in Oxford, is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion for books.
His legacy continues to inspire and shape the literary landscape of Oxford.
Expansion and Growth
The 1990s Expansion
Blackwell’s expanded significantly in the early 1990s. They acquired Heffers in Cambridge and James Thin in Scotland, increasing their outlet count to over 70 at one point.
Library Supply Chain
Their library supply chain became an international enterprise, though parts of it were sold off in 2009.
Publishing Ventures
Blackwell Publishing
The company also ventured into publishing, creating over 800 journals under the Blackwell publishing imprint. This arm was sold to John Wiley & Sons in 2007, forming Wiley-Blackwell.
Family Ownership and Management
The Blackwell Family
The Blackwell family managed the company until 2022. Family dynamics, especially around the sale of their publishing business, led to significant changes in the company’s structure.
Transition to Employee-Partnership
In 2009, Toby Blackwell announced a plan to distribute wealth shares among staff, aiming for an employee-partnership model similar to John Lewis.
Notable Landmarks and Achievements
The Flagship Store
The World Record-Holding Norrington Room
In 1966 a significant development unfolded under the leadership of Sir Arthur Norrington, the then-President of Trinity College.
He masterminded a mutually advantageous arrangement between the College and Blackwell’s.
He’s also reponsible for the Norrington Table, the league table of Oxford Colleges’ degree results.
This deal led to the birth of the Norrington Room, ingeniously situated beneath the Trinity College library.
This innovative solution not only addressed Blackwell’s need for more space but also provided a steady stream of rental income for the College.
The Norrington Room has since gained fame, being recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest single room dedicated to book sales.
This iconic space houses an impressive collection of 160,000 books, elegantly arranged across 2.5 miles of shelving.
It stands as a testament to strategic collaboration and a paradise for book lovers.
This remarkable space, celebrated for its vast collection and impressive size, became a symbol of literary abundance and a haven for book enthusiasts globally
Pioneering Moves
Blackwell’s was the first UK bookshop to offer online shopping and was among the first retailers to launch the Nook e-reader.
Acquisition by Waterstones
In 2022, the company was acquired by Waterstones, marking a new chapter in its history.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings to its expansive chain and online presence, Blackwells Oxfprd remains a significant part of the UK’s literary and academic scene.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1846 | First Blackwell’s Bookshop opens in Oxford |
| 1879 | Blackwell’s founded at 50 Broad Street, Oxford |
| 1913 | Basil Blackwell joins the family business |
| 1914 | Donation of books to troops in WWI |
| 1915 | Publication of J.R.R. Tolkien’s first poem, ‘Goblin’s Feet’ |
| 1924 | Basil Blackwell takes over after Benjamin Henry Blackwell’s death |
| 1925 | Basil Blackwell becomes President of the International Association of Antiquarian Booksellers |
| 1929 | Acquisition of George’s in Bristol, the first bookshop outside Oxford |
| 1934 | Inspiration for Penguin Books at Basil Blackwell’s garden |
| 1938 | Merging of 48 & 49 Broad Street with 50 & 51 |
| 1945 | Post-WWII expansion of export business by Richard Blackwell |
| 1956 | Sir Basil Blackwell knighted by Queen Elizabeth II |
| 1966 | Opening of the Norrington Room |
| 1968 | Opening of Blackwell’s Art Bookshop at 53 Broad Street |
| 1970 | Sir Basil Blackwell receives the Freedom of the City of Oxford |
| 1972 | Edward Bawden completes a mural for the shop |
| 1979 | Centennial celebration of Blackwell’s |
| 1984 | Sir Basil Blackwell’s death |
| 1991 | Opening of first Manchester bookshop |
| 1995 | Launch of the first transactional online bookstore in the UK |
| 1997 | Publication of the first Harry Potter book; Blackwell’s Oxford wins Booksellers Association Academic Bookshop of the Year |
| 1999 | Acquisition of Heffers in Cambridge |
| 2002 | Acquisition of Thins in Edinburgh |
| 2017 | Opening of Blackwell’s new Oxford Westgate shop |
| 2018 | Blackwell’s wins ‘Book Retailer of the Year’ for the 3rd time since 2007 |
| 2019 | Opening of new shop at University Green, Manchester |
In February 2022, Waterstones acquired Blackwell’s.
Waterstones operates under the ownership of Elliott Management Corporation, a significant investment management firm.
This acquisition marked a notable development in the UK’s book retail industry, bringing together two of its most established and respected bookselling entities.
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