Ben holds a master's degree in book history from the Institute of English Studies and previously studied for an undergraduate degree in archaeology, before a brief stint working as a chef. These experiences share the common themes of working by hand and the study of shared cultural history, which led him to a particular interest in the form of the book and the lives of the people who make them. His areas of specialism include fine binding, private printing and artists' books, with a strong knowledge of the English Arts and Crafts movement and a close relationship with contemporary printers and book artists.
If he could have dinner with one historical figure it would be T. J. Cobden-Sanderson, who founded both the Doves Press and the Doves Bindery, and his desert island book would be Robert Gibbing's Glory of Life printed by the Golden Cockerel Press (assuming, of course, that he was also allowed the Doves Bible and Cranach Press Hamlet).