Franklin was born in Notting Hill, London into an affluent and influential British Jewish family. His father was Ellis Arthur Franklin (1894–1964), a London merchant banker and his mother was Muriel Frances Waley (1894–1976). His father"s uncle was Herbert Samuel (later Viscount Samuel) who was Home Secretary in 1916 and the first practising Jew to serve in the British Cabinet.
After Oundle, he studied at Street John"s College, Oxford, and worked for some years in publishing (at Routledge in London) before moving into antiquarian bookselling.
He was also the first High Commissioner (effectively governor) for the British Mandate of Palestine. As a pupil at Oundle School, Colin developed an interest in William Morris and the Pre-Raphaelites. He has specialised in the study of private presses and the book-arts, but has also written on Shakespeare, Japanese books and prints, Lord Chesterfield, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and on printing techniques and media.
He has been Honorary President of the Oxford University Society of Bibliophiles, Patron to the Oundle School Society of Bibliophiles, President of the Private Libraries Association and the Double Crown Club.
She was active in trade union organisation and women"s suffrage, and was later a member of the London County Council.
