AH Stockwell, one of the UK’s longest-surviving publishers, has left the dual-purpose house/printworks following the sale.
Elms Court, which overlooks the Devonshire sea-side town of Ilfracombe, has 12 bedrooms, 10 reception rooms and extensive grounds. It was originally built for two brothers. It became the family home – and base of operations – for the Stockwells after their family home in Ludgate Hill in London was destroyed during the Blitz.
The house played its dual role for more than 80 years, until April this year when AH Stockwell was sold to AUK, which offers a range of services including books, ebooks and audio books.
AH Stockwell has since moved to Bedford to join AUK at its Luton offices, taking some of its remote editorial staff with it.
Paul Andrews, founder and CEO of AUK told Printweek, that he had been reluctant to let the historic firm fall by the wayside.
He said: “[AH Stockwell] had written to us to say that they were going to cease trading, which I thought was a terrible shame, obviously, because of the longevity of the company.”
AH Stockwell was established in 1898 by its namesake Arthur Henry Stockwell, and registered as a limited company in 1925.
The firm had, however, largely reduced its output to self-published titles in the past decade.
Part of the print workshop at the house. Image: Bond Oxborough Philips
Andrews said he planned to move some of AUK’s third-party publishing work to Stockwell, in an effort to rebuild the company.
He said: “It does have an established clientele, which we will continue to support – but we are also going to reinvigorate the brand in due course.”
Part of this renovation will include searching out more print clients, and adding ebooks and even audiobooks to the company’s offering.
Andrews said: “It will be a modernisation, but in a very respectful way to the past of AH Stockwell.”
He added that the company was merely moving from one family to another, as Andrews’ daughter Sara Ellingham has taken up the role of managing director at AH Stockwell.
He said: “That [family] spirit will definitely remain.”
Elms Court is for sale through Bond Oxborough Philips and has a guide price of £1.35m.
