Printingprinting History history news 30 News 1 The Newsletter of the National Printing Heritage Trust,
Printing Historical Society and Friends of St Bride Library Number 30 Spring 2011
Printing Historical des Beaux-Arts de Rennes. It is suppor- is now on offer. Throughout 2011 the ted by the Royal College of Art, École range of classes will be developed and Society AGM des Beaux-Arts de Rennes and the expanded to include kindred trades Design History Society. For further and techniques, in response to the ideas Notice is hereby given that the 2011 details see www.stbride.org. which this new venture will inspire. Annual General Meeting of the Printing Bookings are currently being taken Historical Society will be held on Tues- Editorial footnote: I wonder when the for a ‘letterpress short course’ (three day 12 April 2011 at 5:30 p.m. at the English term ‘graphic design’ was first hours a week for six weeks), two day St Bride Institute, London. Following used. The earliest example I can find is ‘letterpress intensives’, one day work- the formal business, at or soon after the title of Walter George Raffé’s book shops for linocut and type posters and 6:00 p.m., Professor Ian Rogerson of (Graphic design, London: Chapman make-your-own-greeting-card classes. the John Rylands Institute, University and Hall) first published in 1927. But Group bookings are available and of Manchester, will speak on Book there must be an earlier usage. The these are tailored to meet the needs and illustration: the search for affordable editor of PHN would be most interes- interests of each specific group. Open colour. Professor Rogerson is well- ted to receive your opinions (and the access bookings for use of the space known as a writer on the arts of the definitive answer may well be given, of can be made for four-hour and eight- book, especially illustrative media and course, at the abovementioned confer- hour sessions, following an induction processes, and has written on the ence). to ensure best use of the facilities. For graphic work of Dicky Doyle, Barnett further information see the website at Freedman, Agnes Miller Parker, Sir printworkshop.stbridefoundation.org Francis Meynell, and on the Cloister, or contact the Foundation on 020 Pelican, Fleece, Gregynog and None- 7353 3331. such Presses, among many other mono- graphs and exhibition catalogues. PRINT NETWORKS ST BRIDE NEWS CONFERENCES AND EVENTS Religion and the book trade
Graphic design: history in the This, the twenty-ninth Print Networks making Conference on the history of the Brit- ish book trade will take place at the A one-day conference, to be held at St National Library of Wales at Aberyst- Bride Library, London, on Friday 6 wyth on 19–21 July 2011. Speakers May 2011, 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. This will include Professor Cathy Shrank, conference will investigate the status of University of Sheffield, and Dr Eryn graphic design history today, with an Richard Lawrence in action, overseeing White, Aberystwyth University. emphasis on the creation and appli- the operation of an Albion press at St En-suite accommodation will be cation of graphic design. It will review Bride provided on the attractive campus of the state of affairs, looking at where we Aberystwyth University, overlooking are, and questioning where we could go Print workshops Cardigan Bay. In addition to a full next, and why we might go there. programme of papers, there will be Speakers include Christopher Burke, St Bride Foundation is bringing letter- a conference dinner and a visit to the David Crowley, Rick Poynor, Sonia press printing back to Fleet Street. The Roderic Bowen Library in Lampeter. de Puineuf, Alston W. Purvis, David exhibition room, which has long housed 2011 marks the four-hundredth anni- Reinfurt, Catherine de Smet and Teal presses and artefacts from the craft, is versary of the ‘Authorized Version’ of Triggs. It has been organized by Sara being transformed into a print work- the Bible, and so Religion and the De Bondt and Catherine de Smet. Prices shop, where practical teaching and book trade has been chosen as the are £70.oo (£60.00 for Friends); con- hands-on experience can take place. The theme for the conference. A booking cessions £30.00 (£25.00 for Friends). opening of the workshop last November form and provisional programme will The conference is the first in a two- was in response to the many requests shortly be available on Birmingham part series with the second taking place for demonstrations and classes. As a re- University’s British Book Trade Index on 24–25 November 2011 at the École sult, a series of courses and workshops website at www.bbti.bham.ac.uk. 2 printing history news 30
Cheap print and the book trade for display and for practical workshops, £2.23 (see https://www.amazon.co.uk/ similar to the ‘print and pack’ gallery dp/B004HB22OK). See also the author’s You might care to note the date and at the museum’s ancestor, the Bristol website at www.ianboyter.co.uk. It is details of next-year’s Print Networks Industrial Museum. As yet, the nature hoped that a full review will appear in Conference, which will be on Cheap of the printing displays, and the com- the Journal of the Printing Historical print and the book trade. It will be held mitment of M Shed’s management to Society soon. at the University of Leicester on 10– this aspect of Bristol history, remain 12 July 2012 and is being organized uncertain. Further information can jointly with the University of Leicester be found on the M Shed website at Chapbooks Project. Speakers will in- www.mshed.org. Please do not be clude Adam Fox, University of Edin- deterred by the use of English and of burgh and Sheila O’Connell, British pseudo-English on this site, but judge Museum. For further information the new museum on its merits after contact John Hinks at [email protected]. opening-day. We hope to run a report The call for papers will be issued in or review of M Shed and its printing November 2011 on the British Book related activities and displays in a Trade Index website (see above). future issue of PHN, and would welcome the opinions of our readers. Bibliographical Society Lectures
The following lectures are open to members of the Bibliographical Society and guests, and are held at University College, Gower Street, London wc1, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Title-page of a miniature edition of Donne, printed by the Curwen Press in Graham Pollard Memorial Lecture 1922 (slightly reduced)
Hugh Blair (1718–1800) the J. K. Rowling of 18th-century Scotland? by CURWEN PRESS William Zachs. 19 April in the Gustave BIBLIOGRAPHY Tuck Lecture Theatre. This paper exam- ines the correspondence between Blair Readers may be interested to know and his publishers (Strahan, Cadell and that an historical and descriptive bib- Creech) and the publication history of liography of the books printed by the the works of Blair’s two popular works Curwen Press under Oliver Simon is – the Sermons, published in five volumes NEW BOOK currently being mounted on the inter- between 1777 and 1801, and the Lec- net. The bibliography was originally tures on rhetoric and belles lettres, pub- The adventures of the Gutenberg boys compiled by Robin Phillips in 1963 as lished in 1783. by Ian Boyter (see above). Set in the part of his Diploma in Librarianship 1960s, this is a comic novel concerning from University College, London, and Homee and Phiroze Randeria Lecture the work, play and youthful shenani- is based on the Curwen Press Board gans of a group of printing apprentices Room library. It was compiled under Binder, faker, and artist by Dr Mirjam as they learn to use the 500-year-old the supervision of the late Howard M. Foot. 17 May in the Gustave Tuck technology of letterpress, at the vener- Nixon. The library has since been dis- Lecture Theatre. Théodore Hagué was able Edinburgh book-printer R. and R. persed in sales after the closure of the a notorious forger of bookbindings, Clark. In the busy printing factory, in Press in 1989. Mr Phillips hopes what yet aspects of his work have not been glitzy but grimy dance halls where rock- he calls his ‘handlist’ will be of use to fully investigated. This paper answers n-roll was the latest craze, and in the booksellers, printing historians and some of the unresolved questions that streets of old Edinburgh, Blackie, the special collection librarians. When com- were left at the end of a previous Ran- youngest apprentice, and his cronies pleted, there will be detailed indexes of deria lecture and focuses on the ‘re- relieve the daily grind by harassing the authors, titles, editors and other names, markably beautiful caskets’ that have gaffer, betting on the outcome of the typefaces, paper and methods of illus- so far remained obscure. Cuban missile crisis, flirting with for- tration. In addition ‘powerful search gery, fire-raising and engaging with the facilities’ will be provided. Researchers Bristol Museum opening fair sex as they approach maturity and are invited to contact Mr Phillips with become printers of books. suggestions and enquiries. The text is M SHED, the new Museum at Bristol, The book is now available as an e- being revised and mounted in sections. is due to open on Friday 17 June 2011. book (not yet in traditional printed Further details, including a contact e- The museum has substantial holdings form) for Amazon Kindle, iPad, iPhone, mail address for the compiler and the of printing machines and materials, and Android or on your computer. The first part of the bibliography are at it is hoped that these will be used both e-book download from Amazon costs www.sinenomine.co.uk/curwen/. printing history news 30 3
The Linotype 78sm (or part of it) arrives at Amberley
LINOTYPE MODEL the Museum is closed and we could whilst checking settings on the day 78SM AT AMBERLEY utilize the visitor area. Viewed with before our weekend there was suddenly hindsight, this was the wrong decision. smoke and an acrid burning smell. John Spurgin In early November Mike Kirby of We were able to do a very brief dis- Linecasting Machinery started to dis- play on the day without actually casting In the autumn of 2008 we read in mantle the machine. Unfortunately, a line as we could not leave the 78sm Printing History News that regrettably however, the building then started to switched on long enough to melt the the Printing House Museum in Cock- flood and the police insisted that Mike pot out. There were no wiring diagrams ermouth had closed. Its owner Jeremy leave the building. The partially dis- available so despite frantic phone calls Winkworth was offering some of its mantled machine was subsequently and searches of the internet we had to effects to interested parties. After talking under several feet of water. seek help from an electrician. This all to Jeremy it was agreed that our Lino- The whole process was then delayed took time but eventually the problem type Engineer David Young and myself whilst the insurance assessors did their was solved last September. All that re- would go up in March 2009 to see work. Eventually in the spring of 2010 mained was to make those adjustments what might be of interest to Amberley that matter was resolved. Fortunately necessary to solve the outstanding little Museum’s Print-shop. our sponsors were in favour of our glitches. We chose a number of Ludlow and continuing the project so in March the So the whole process started nearly Linotype fonts as well as a stapler, paper machine arrived at Amberley. We had two years ago and we have been working drill and other bits and pieces, but the already moved our existing Linotype 78 on it for ten months. But this summer star prize would be the Linotype 78sm to a position at the rear of our building the Linotype 78sm will be up and run- machine. Jeremy agreed to all of our so that we had space to re-assemble the ning, casting slugs for the first time in requests, so the next step was to raise 78sm. This commenced under the guid- many years. We intend to unveil it the money to dismantle and transport ance of Dave Young. Our hope was officially at our Wayzgoose Weekend the machine from Cockermouth to that we could have it working for our on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 June. West Sussex. We managed this with printing weekend in the middle of July Finally, thanks Dave Young and all cash from various sources including a to display to the public. Having spent our volunteers who helped with this generous donation from the National many hundreds of hours cleaning every- project. Further details of the Amberley Printing Heritage Trust. It was by now thing down to the smallest parts, the Museum and Heritage Centre, West late summer and in view of the shortage machine was completely re-assembled. Sussex, its programme and events, can of space at Amberley we decided to Despite the many problems it appeared be found on the Museum’s website at delay the transfer until November when we were going to meet this deadline, but www.amberleymuseum.co.uk. 4 printing history news 30
Linotype: the film Printing press wanted for
A group of young American film-makers demonstration is attempting to produce a ‘feature- In April 2011, Saint Mary’s Church length documentary’ about the Mer- Kingsclere, Hampshire, is celebrating genthaler Linotype, its use, history and the four-hundredth anniversary of the gradual disappaearance from the world. publication of the King James (Author- Production began in August 2010, and ized) Version of the Bible. As part of a it is hoped to release the movie before week of events, we are hoping to provide the end of 2011. A trailer, some clips an exhibition on the history of this and further information on the film version of the Bible and the printing (which nicely underlines the importance process which made it so accessible to of the preservation of Amberley’s Lino- the populace. We would like to provide type machine, noted on page 3) can be a demonstration of printing, with a found at www.linotypefilm.com. working press in the church for the week, to enable people to see how the Letter to the editor pages were created. If anyone could Derek Nuttall help with making this part of our week a reality, please contact Debra Power Another case of the loss of printing by phone on 01635 291247 or by e- artifacts has just been reported to me. Free to a museum, the following items: a mail at [email protected]. Last year, the Atkinson Art Gallery Varityper, as used in the Newspaper and Museum, Southport, decided to Strike, in full working order and com- dispose of the fine Columbian press, plete with a range of type segments; an which had been restored at the expense Apricot F1 computer, bought in 1985 of the NPHT. Now, I have heard that (for well over £1,000) with ‘Star’ dot- Peel Park Museum, Salford, has not matrix printer and all manuals, disks, etc. only closed but has been demolished. The items are located in Chester, and are USEFUL CONTACTS No doubt the Lowry paintings have free to any museum which can arrange gone to the Lowry Centre, but what collection. If interested, please contact National Printing Heritage Trust has happened to the ‘Victorian Printing Derek Nuttall (see above). www.npht.org.uk Office’ that featured in its famous Hon. Correspondent: Jeremy Winkworth street? Even more worrying is what has The following items are offered free [email protected] Treasurer: E. C. James, The Pinfold, Church happened to the 1804 Stanhope press? to a museum or other historical body: Road, Dodleston, Chester, Cheshire ch4 9ng Many years ago, I was assured that it type 16 typewriter with extra long car- [email protected] was still at Peel Park, although the riage made in the U.S.A. by Remington person who informed me was not Rand; typewriter made by Smith Prem- Printing Historical Society aware that I had bought and donated ier; two typewriters made in Wilhelms- c/o St Bride Library, Bride Lane, Fleet this to the museum in the mid 1950s. haven, West Germany, by Olympia Street, London ec4y 8ee Regrettably, there seems to be a lack of Werke AG; Burroughs adding machine www.printinghistoricalsociety.org.uk interest in anything to do with printing no. 5-14525, made in the Nottingham [email protected] amongst museum curators/directors. factory of Burroughs Adding Machine Chair: John Hinks, [email protected] In the absence of a national centre for Ltd (with four glass sides, showing the Treasurer: Andrew Dolinski, 34 Martineau printing and the graphic arts, this must internal workings, pictured below). If Lane, Hurst, Berkshire rg10 0sf be a matter of concern to readers of interested, please contact Kelly Mitchell [email protected] this newsletter. at Enham Alamein Community Heritage Journal Editor: John Trevitt, Rose Cottage, Project, Enham Place, Enham Alamein, Church Road, Weobley, Hereford hr4 8sd Andover, Hampshire sp11 6js. Tel: [email protected] SMALL ADS 01264 345800 (ext. 4209) or 07796 268890. [email protected]. St Bride Library, Bride Lane, Fleet Street, London ec4y 8ee Albion and paper for sale. A crown (15 www.stbride.org × 20 inch platen) Albion press made by Librarian: Nigel Roche Harrild and Sons (pictured above). It [email protected] is well-maintained and in excellent con- dition, complete with a tympan, frisket, Friends of St Bride Library two book-chases and a two-handled [email protected] roller. Offers in the region of £2,500 to Derek Nuttall on 01244 660501 or Printing History News Editor: Paul W. Nash, 19 Fosseway Drive, [email protected]. The press Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos. gl56 0du is in Chester, and the buyer will need [email protected] to organize transport. Also available: a range of papers, hand- and mould-made, Published by the NPHT, PHS and the offered at modest prices. Please contact Friends of St Bride Library, March Dr Nuttall for further details. 2011. Printed by Synergie, Birmingham.
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