THE HISTORY OF SILVINE
It all started in 1837...
History fanatics! Read on to learn more - for the story of Silvine is quite the fascinating one...
1837
William Sinclair sets up his first printing company in Wetherby making hand made ledgers and pocket books and also undertakes general printing work for the town.
1854
Sinclair moves to Otley, and starts using the famous Wharfdale Press, which was invented in the town. This new technology enabled Sinclair to increase production.
1884
We expand into Albert Works, a much bigger site, which allows us to expand and automate. We start supplying Marks & Spencer in Leeds Market, with fashionable ‘fancy’ books.
1914
The Great War begins meaning strict import restrictions. We develop sketchbooks with naval and military themes - ‘Iron Duke’, ‘All British’, ‘The Entente’ etc - product names that reflected the wartime conditions.
1920s
Now exporting across the Empire, we develop stationery for the mass market, including ‘Novelty’ items such as cigarette card albums, jam-pot covers, greaseproof paper, brown paper & string, draught boards and even toilet rolls!
1960
We introduce the familiar red Silvine Exercise book. Millions of these books are exported to countries around the world, along with the new phenomenon that is the Refill pad!
2008
The Silvine laurel wreath is no more. We develop a rebrand, bringing a modern look to our logo and website. We also continue developing new products - all incorporating our new logo.
2025
We continue to develop an manufacture paper stationery for everyone. Now becoming the largest manufacturer of exercise books in the UK.
We also launch a brand new logo, that in insired by our extensive history.
History fanatics! Read under each image to learn more - for the story of Silvine is quite the fascinating one...
History fanatics! Hover of each image to learn more - for the story of Silvine is quite the fascinating one...
1837
William Sinclair sets up his first printing company in Wetherby making hand made ledgers and pocket books and also undertakes general printing work for the town.
1854
Sinclair moves to Otley, and starts using the famous Wharfedale Press, which was invented in the town. This new technology enabled Sinclair to increase production.
1884
We expand into Albert Works, a much bigger site, which allows us to expand and automate. We start supplying Marks & Spencer in Leeds Market, with fashionable ‘fancy’ books.
1914
The Great War begins meaning strict import restrictions. We develop sketchbooks with naval and military themes - ‘Iron Duke’, ‘All British’, ‘The Entente’ etc - product names that reflected the wartime conditions.
1920s
Now exporting across the Empire, we develop stationery for the mass market, including ‘Novelty’ items such as cigarette card albums, jam-pot covers, greaseproof paper, brown paper & string, draught boards and even toilet rolls!
1960
We introduce the familiar red Silvine Exercise book. Millions of these books are exported to countries around the world, along with the new phenomenon that is the Refill pad!
1970/80
Innovation continues. The recent moon landings inspire ‘Silvine Sam’ - a spaceman who appeared on a range of products, helping children with their spelling and arithmetic.
2008
The Silvine laurel wreath is no more. We develop a rebrand, bringing a modern look to our logo and website. We also continue developing new products - all incorporating our new logo.
2025
We continue to develop an manufacture paper stationery for everyone. Now becoming the largest manufacturer of exercise books in the UK.
We also launch a brand new logo, that in insired by our extensive history.
Do you have any vintage Silvine products?
We would love to see what you have. Email us across some photographs, whether it's one book, or an entire collection!
Feel free to email us at hello@silvine.com, or drop us a DM on social media.














