Records of Fred Grayden

Records relating to the career of Fred Grayden, former deputy head printer at the Guardian, including his memoir, correspondence and photographs. Collection also contains his trade union membership cards and a hot metal dateline slug, one of the last to be used at the newspaper before changes were made to the printing process.

Fred Grayden joined the Guardian in 1961 when the composing room was first set up to begin printing in London, retiring as deputy head printer after over 20 years of service.

He had previously worked for the Daily Sketch composing department. He first joined the Guardian as a time hand from 13 August 1961, working as copy desk supervisor responsible for lino and ludlow typograph setting. The first London composing room was shared with the Sunday Times.

Grayden became Guardian staff from 1 January 1962. He was appointed deputy head of the composing department from 5 July 1973, following the retirement of head printer Mr DC Borrett. Grayden himself retired in 1985. Grayden was a member of printing trade unions from July 1938.

Open. Records may be viewed in our reading room by appointment only, see our website for more information.

A full catalogue description for this collection can be found on the GNM Archive catalogue.