The Provincial Typographical Association was established in 1849 by delegates from across Yorkshire and Lancashire who met at Angel Street in Sheffield. It was a successor to the Northern Typographical Union (1830-1844) and the National Typographical Association (1844-1848). In 1877 it merged with a related relief association and dropped "Provincial" from its title. In 1963 it amalgamated with the London Typographical Society to form the National Graphical Association.

The 'Provincial Typographical Circular' or 'Typographical Circular' was the monthly members' newsletter and can include branch and district news, articles or news items about aspects of the printing industry and current affairs, and correspondence. Some volumes can include lists of deceased members and more detailed obituaries of prominent members.

The Modern Records Centre has 92 volumes of circulars dating from 1849-1963. Five volumes dating from 1874-1879 have been digitised by the MRC and are available to read for free through our online catalogue. An additional five volumes dating from 1915-1919 have been digitised by Find My Past and are available on a paid / subscription basis through their website:

Available through the Modern Records Centre (free):

'Typographical Societies' Monthly Circular', nos.262-273, Jul 1874-Jun 1875Link opens in a new window

'Provincial Typographical Circular', nos.274-285, Jul 1875-Jun 1876Link opens in a new window

'Provincial Typographical Circular', nos. 286-297, Jul 1876-Jun 1877Link opens in a new window

'Provincial Typographical Circular', nos.298-309, Jul 1877-Jun 1878Link opens in a new window

'Typographical Circular', nos.310-321, Jul 1878-Jun 1879Link opens in a new window

Available through Find My Past (subscription required):

'Typographical Circular', 1915-1919 (5 vols.)Link opens in a new window

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