Today, cracking open a book doesn’t often come with the wonder of how the written text itself was printed, never mind the rich and storied history behind such methods. The history of printing equipment is rich, as the invention changed the world by providing a global news network, accessible education, and even powering the scientific revolution. The German goldsmith Johannes Gutenberg, who was credited with the invention of the printing press around 1436, is just one character who effectively transformed how books and other written texts come to be (though the history of printing far precedes him). For aspiring collectors who wish to own antique printing equipment, it’s important to first understand the history behind it — and how to properly care for such machinery.
The printing press — a storied history
Before the invention of the first printing press, books were a rare commodity. In the Middle Ages, each and every copy of a book had to be physically written by hand. Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press served as a more efficient way to handle such a monstrous task. “His invention combined movable pieces of metal type that could be reused with a press that could produce sharp impressions on paper over and over again,” explains an article from Encyclopedia Britannica. The invention also made it possible to produce books in a more cost-effective and accurate way. It’s imperative to realize that the machine’s impact extended in multiple different directions. For example, the printing press not only made books and other written texts more readily available, but more accessible. In fact, Gutenberg’s invention paved the way for a more educated society.
Exploring other printing methods
A LinkedIn post by Kwality Labels further explores the evolution of the printing press. Specifically, it’s noted that Gutenberg’s invention featured limitations in the sense that each page had to be composed manually (with the use of individual pieces of type). Printing evolved accordingly, with the invention of offset print techniques coming to fruition in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Offset printing involves a series of rollers and plates rather than a direct transfer of ink from type to paper. Today, offset printing methods are still in use — newspapers, for instance, are one noteworthy example of text that utilizes the method.
While the printing press is widely known, it’s imperative to realize that it’s not the only piece of printing equipment that can be found throughout time. For example, Southwest Contemporary highlights the fact that printmaking is a 3,000-year-old art form, with the craft born in the form of woodblock printing in China around 200 AD. Other styles of printmaking — such as intaglio, involve engraving, or the creation of cuts into the surface of a copper or metal plate in order to make the design while ink fills the crevices. Blind embossing is another style of printing, and doesn’t use ink at all. Instead, the blind embossing technique creates deep, raised impressions on paper after a designed plate is passed through a press. This differs from styles such as metal debossing, which is a technique used to create indented designs on metal surfaces.
The role of the collector
The preservation and proper care of antique printing equipment is crucial, especially when the goal is to preserve the longevity and working order of such machines. A 2008 article from Collectors Weekly highlights several tips that new printing press enthusiasts can take advantage of, particularly in regard to letterpress printing equipment. While it’s noted that it can be a challenge to tell whether or not a press is complete (and usable), what a press is worth can also be difficult to determine. “Many sellers purchase presses at tag sales for resale, while acknowledging that they don’t know much about the presses they are selling.” Doing some research of your own before an auction can be a great way to prepare and understand what you’re investing in.
Maintaining an antique printing press requires diligent and comprehensive care. Doing your research before purchasing a press is important, as comprehensive care requires a variety of tasks (such as clearing out oiling holes, removing dried ink, and cleaning the gears). British Letterpress highlights several important key aspects of letterpress care, specifically when it comes to cleanliness and lubrication. For starters, it’s important to keep presses and other machines well-lubricated, and is a task that should be done on a regular basis (presses should be cleaned periodically with an oily rag). It’s imperative to note that certain features of a press require special attention — for instance, British Letterpress points out that cast iron is brittle, and should be treated as though it were glass. Furthermore, it’s essential to watch out for corrosion on these machines. “Where corrosion is found on the bed of the press it can be removed with fine carbonium paper soaked in paraffin,” British Letterpress notes.
Antique printing equipment is a reflection of a storied past filled with inventions and methods that have been around for hundreds (and even thousands) of years. For those who wish to own a piece of history, cleanliness and maintenance serve as key roles in proper preservation.
Guest Blog provided by:
Jacqueline Gilbert
