Families in Watford, Hertfordshire, can explore the town’s past as a world leader in printing at a free event hosted by the Museum of Watford on 11 April 2026. The Make Your Mark: Watford in Print session will take place at Watford Central Library from 11am to 3pm.
The event is part of the Museum on Tour programme, which brings heritage experiences directly into the community. Visitors can try their hand at printmaking, look at historical objects from local factories, and follow a quiz trail to win a prize. No advance booking is required for the activities, which are located on the first floor of the library on Hempstead Road.
Watford was known as the Print Capital of Europe from the 1920s to the 1960s, serving as the largest printing centre in the world. Major companies like Odhams Press and Sun Printers were based in the town, with Odhams alone covering 17 acres of land. At the peak of the industry, about one in every 13 residents in the area worked in the printing trade.
The museum is currently running these community events while its permanent home is relocated to Watford Town Hall. This move is supported by a 2.45 million pound grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The new museum site is expected to open to the public by 2026 or 2027.
A separate session for parents and toddlers will be held on 22 April 2026. This event is organised in partnership with the West Watford Community Association to help younger children learn about the history of the town.
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