Rosen’s industry career spanned almost 60 years, and he was described as a “pioneer” of the use of the screen printing process.
His artistic side was already evident when he left school aged 14 in 1931. His school leaving report stated: “He is a very industrious and intelligent lad of good general ability; he has completed a course of art training including art borders, lettering and postage design, menu and window cards etc. I can thoroughly recommend him as an alert and trustworthy lad.”
Rosen subsequently landed a job with Gaumont Cinemas and served a five-year apprenticeship there, rising to become manager of the art department. At the time all the display posters were drawn and coloured by hand.
His career was put on hold during the Second World War, when he joined the RAF and spent five years in the Middle East working as a cartographer.
After the war he returned to poster writing, and then in 1951 acquired Bovince after seeing the business advertised for sale in the local newspaper.
“At 34 years of age he had his own business which was in a new and exciting area of print for the times,” said his son, Peter Rosen.
The firm initially specialised in film posters before expanding into other areas of large-format print including advertising poster and point-of-sale.
As the firm grew and expanded it moved into larger premises, and by the 1980s Rosen’s three sons – Peter, Terry and Leigh – all worked at the business.
Rosen senior maintained a keen interest in print innovation throughout, and travelled the world with his wife Betty investigating and purchasing new print kit.
Bovince achieved many successes, including a Queen’s Award for Industry in 2001, and was one of the largest screen printers in Europe during its heyday. The firm closed down in 2008 during the financial crisis.
“He was a very fine and humble man who always looked to help everybody and spent many years as a prominent member of the Variety Club of Great Britain, giving his time and donations to the children’s charity,” Rosen added.
The funeral will be held on Thursday 9 April at 11am at Golders Green Crematorium in north London. The Rosen family said Jack’s industry friends and colleagues were welcome to attend the service.
