Sir – May I add to your obituary of Vivian Ridler by recognising him as an Oxford man of great, even international stature, as the national newspapers are now doing.

His leadership of Oxford University Press is acknowledged to have been outstanding. The office of Printer to the University is a great and ancient one and Vivian Ridler filled it with distinction as perhaps the last great printer. For hundreds of years, Oxford Printer represented many of the best skills both of town and gown, working together in learning and book production in a unique way. The city and university often owed much to the Printer and to Vivian Ridler, widely regarded as the printer’s Printer, in particular.

It is with both sadness and fond memories I received the news of his death. He was a real inspirational man who cared for his craft and the people working for him. I was one of his lads, apprenticed to him in the early 1960s — for five years and nine months.

Not only because he was the Printer to the University, but because of what he did and what he stood for, he was held in great respect and even when he was tough on us and he knew how to be, he was held in great affection. An old-style boss, in another age, who knew how to manage and get the best out of his staff.

He did so much for the industry he served; ensuring not only his people but those in other companies had first-class apprenticeships and management training.

Mr Ridler also had time for his staff in their recreational times and supported so many of the Press societies and organisations.

I know from personal experience that he might be head of the business but he had time for us youngsters, especially on Press outings. He would always choose one of us to spend time with him and I remember Mr Ridler taking me on my first visit to the National Portrait Gallery in London and afterwards for tea and ice cream. A man of great talent and humility and his contribution to my life will never be forgotten.

Martin Slade, Oxford