Credited as the first female printer, CHARLOTTE GUILLARD ran a successful printing and binding business in 16th century Paris.
Born into a middle-class family that valued education, Guillard could read and write well enough to become a printer by her teens. Her first husband owned a printing company that became hers upon his death. She forfeited this when she re-married, another printer, but continued to work with him as a partner. Upon his death, the print house reverted to her control, remaining in her sole possession until her death.
In addition to owning a print house with five presses and employing 25 people, Guillard ran a book shop that maintained a stock of thirteen thousand books. Her businesses focused on Catholic theological tracts, catering to students and the professional population of Paris. Thanks to the quality and prolific production of her work, she supplied monasteries, religious houses with libraries, and other book stores.
Guillard’s scholarly knowledge and managerial skills allowed her to succeed in other business endeavors. She owned property and houses in Paris and the surrounding area. She provided short-term loans to those in need and the dowries for numerous nieces. After her death, she left money for all her dead brothers’ children, as well as her church and the Poor Box. Interestingly, if any relative challenged their inheritance, the money was automatically forfeited to the Poor Box!
Despite leading a print house for over fifty years, Charlotte Guillard is only credited for twenty-two—the other twenty-eight are in her husbands’ names.
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