George Barber and Son Ltd , printers

George Barber was born in Deal, Kent. He set up business as a printer at the junction of Castle (later Furnival) Street and Cursitor Street, Holborn in 1861. Working originally as a legal printer, the business expanded to include general publishing, music publishing, lithography and advertising.

The firm first appears in London Directories in 1865 when its address is given as 16 Cursitor Street, Chancery Lane; from 1877 it is also given as 23 Castle Street which from 1886 becomes Furnival Street. From 1900 its address is given as 23, 24, 25 Furnival Street and 16, 17, 18 Cursitor Street. From c 1903-c 1921 it is referred to as the Furnival Press. In 1931-1932 an additional address at 19 Southampton Buildings, WC2 is given and in 1933-1934 15 and 17 Plough Court, Fetter Lane are shown. From 1936 23 Furnival Street is shown as the head office and in 1962 its address became 31 Furnival Street; in 1973 the firm moved to 61 Lilford Road, SE 5.

George Barber died in 1901 and his son Richard assumed control. In 1930 the firm changed its title to George Barber and Son.