About the annuals

The Woodworker Magazine has been in print in the UK, continuously as far as I know, since the turn of the century. Whenever I see a second hand copy of the magazines in their bound annual format I snap them up, like many other UK-based galoots, as they’re an excellent resource for the hand tool user. Charles Hayward was, famously, the editor in the 40s, 50s and 60s; but in the 20s he was already writing articles for the magazine. Unfortunately no credits are given, so I’m unable to pick out the youthful Hayward’s early works!

These particular volumes cover 1927-29 and were found in a bookshop in Helston, Cornwall. If you’re after some yourself, you can do no better than search on Bookfinder; there are often many volumes of all ages available. I’ve chosen to scan these particular ones for two reasons. Firstly the amount and quality of hand tool information is particularly good, and secondly because I know nowt about copyright laws, but these seem old enough for it not to be an issue. (See below)

What I know about copyright can be written on the head of a pin, but I have tried to establish the basic facts about it. My understanding is that, in the UK, copyright lasts for 70yrs after an author’s death. However, if the author is not credited, as is the case here, then it is 70yrs after the date of publication. Someone suggested it might not even be an issue in this case anyway, but better safe than sorry. If, however, you know otherwise, please and I’ll act immediately. Thanks.