Above: Shelleys founder, David Coombs, during his apprenticeship years at The Abbey Press. Right: David Coombs Indenture of Apprenticeship. Far Right: Komori 4 colour press installed at Western Ways Yard in 2010.

Shelleys The Printers was founded in 1986, by David Coombs, who was previously a Director of The Abbey Press, Sherborne. With just two presses, a Rota print R30, a small guillotine and a Heidelberg platen, the success story started. The first computer arrived in 1995 — an Apple Mac LC475. In the 90s the business was run from Priestlands Lane, Sherborne and in 2004 Shelleys moved to Western Ways Yard, Bristol Road.

Our clients are very loyal; Sherborne School who had been using The Abbey Press from the early 1900s continue to use Shelleys The Printers today.

Based in Sherborne, we continue to run as a family business. Today, 27 years later, we have a high-tech four colour press and pre-press system plus the latest Apple computers.

We pride ourselves on delivering on time, if we say it will be there on Tuesday it’s there on Tuesday.

We offer a friendly helping hand in the ever-complex world of design and print. We pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service with clients still using the Coombs’ family after 40 years — testament to the close relationships we build with clients.

If you are wondering where the name Shelleys originated from, it was the name of the cottage in which David and his wife Rachel lived and started the business from.