Letterpress technology, which uses blocks of metal letters and lines to print texts, is all but gone. Once all books and newspapers were printed in this cumbersome way, but now these machines can only be found in art schools or museums. The invention that can trace its roots to the first printing press is today on the verge of becoming extinct.
This is why we will be spending hundreds of hours and use precisely this outdated technology to print an entire book much like it was done a century ago. We do this, because we love the machines from before the age of automation. While all of us enjoy and appreciate the comforts of modern civilization, there is a special kind of satisfaction in traditional craftsmanship. And of course we can not help but notice how steampunk the machinery is!
Books have been in many ways the cornerstones of civilization. To celebrate the men and women working in the printing trade through all ages, we have selected a very symbolic story. The Little Prince is a book that has captured readers since 1943. As a little figure travels the world alone, he has a powerful message to share: it is what cannot be seen, that is most important. We think that this message reflects in our attempts to gather and put to use this beautiful historic equipment. In many ways our appreciation for outdated letterpress technology is also an irrational passion!
What do you think, is there sense in maintaining old artisan crafts even if they are slower and less productive to use?
More info: igg.me
The little prince book and a few metal formes for pages and illustrations
Golding Pearl No. 1 - a small printing press from 1912
Lines of text cast from molten lead assembled into pages and tied down with string, waiting to be printed
An German-made iron hand press from the middle of the 19th century
A 4,5-ton cylinder press from 1927, used for printing books and posters
Draw me a sheep?
