W.E. Baxter Ltd.

High up on the wall of Walwer's Lane off Lewes High Street is this lovely old sign advertising W.E.Baxter, printers and bookbinders. The business was founded in 1802 by John Baxter, who is credited with the invention of the composition ink roller. One of his sons, George Baxter was a well known engraver and printer, who invented a colour printing process that made reproduction of paintings possible and cheap. William Baxter expanded the family business to include what is now the Sussex Express. There are several Baxter wall signs in the town, despite the company having left Lewes a few years ago.