Baskett, John (1664/5-1742), printer and stationer

Baskett was apprenticed to the stationer Edward Darrell from 1682 to 1690. As a young stationer, he secured various lucrative contracts to supply paper to the university press at Oxford as well as the Treasury and Customs House. Baskett’s career shifted dramatically after 1710 when the patent for King’s Printer expired. The former patentees owed Baskett over £8000 and he manipulated this debt to acquire a half-share in the King’s Printer patent. He built on this success to become Queen’s Printer in 1712 as well as securing more lucrative patents, including a share in the Queen’s Printer in Scotland patent and a share in the Oxford University printing monopoly. At the peak of his powers, Baskett served two terms as Master of the Stationers’ Company. He carefully guarded his privileges and brought nearly 40 cases against infringements. The patents did not come without any risks, however, and in 1729 Baskett was declared bankrupt. It took him seven careful years to regrow his finances. He died in 1742 and was able to leave substantial legacies and patent rights to his family.

Death: Blackfriars (1742)

Queen’s Printer (1712), Under-warden (1709-1711); Master (1714-1716)

Roger Baskett (father), gentleman; Sarah Briscoe (wife); Sarah Ashurst (daughter); Thomas Baskett (son), printer; Robert Baskett (son), printer; John Baskett (son)

International Standard Archival Authority Record for Corporate Bodies, Persons and Families - ISAAR(CPF) 2nd edition - ICA 2004 ISBN 2-9521932-2-3

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Oxford Dictionary of National Biography