The Trust’s Twitter account @PrintScot has just reached 150 followers thanks to the founder of the Metaltype website — ‘Yesterday’s technology — today’, which is a treasure trove of information about traditional printing techniques, especially about hot metal typesetting.
Robert Smail’s Printing Works open for 2017
March 27, 2017
The National Trust for Scotland’s letterpress printing works, Robert Smail’s in Innerleithen, opens again for the 2017 season on Saturday 1 April. For details of opening times and how to get there visit their website.
Printing collection looking for a home
February 16, 2017
There is an urgent need to find a home for printing artefacts that used to be part of the collection at Newark Millgate Museum, until its closure in 2012. They include an 1837 Atlas Press and an 1840 Albion Press among other artefacts. If anyone is interested please contact Kevin Winter at Newark Museum to […]
Life in Letterpress
January 24, 2017
There is a major retrospective exhibition covering Alan Kitching’s life and work, spanning six decades currently in progress at the Lighthouse Gallery in Glasgow. Called A life in letterpress it includes examples of his work, sketchbooks, proofs, artefacts and equipment from his studio. The exhibition is on until 5 March 2017.
Tragara Press print shop
January 22, 2017
The crown folio Arab press owned and run by the late Alan Anderson of the Tragara Press, is being offered for disposal — preferably as a whole, within Scotland. It was in regular use until his death earlier this year. There is more detail in the PDF document which you can download through this link.
Speedspools is 50!
January 9, 2017
Harry McIntosh’s Speedspools has reached its Golden Anniversay. He has been in business producing type for 50 years, since 1967 — and for many years to come at the Chepman and Myllar press in Edinburgh. Congratulations!
Typography and design lecture
October 1, 2016
Gen Harrison, Compositor and Property Manager at Robert Smail’s Printing Works, will take the audience through the qualities and quirks of typography and graphic design before the days of desk top publishing. Anyone who is thrilled by the use of a good typeface or appreciates graphic design as an art form will enjoy this fascinating […]
Introduction to letterpress at DCA
October 1, 2016
On Saturday 22 October there’s an opportunity to learn the basics of letterpress printing in a session led by John Easson of Quarto Press. The event lasts from 10–6 at Dundee Contemporary Arts print studio. Booking essential — see their website for details of how to book.
Letterpress workshops at Smails
September 14, 2016
These letterpress workshops at Robert Smail’s Printing Works are a chance for anyone with an interest in graphic design and typography to spend the day creating their own letterpress artworks, posters and stationery. Workshop participants will be able to use wooden poster type and hand presses to get creative, with Smail’s expert staff on hand […]
Pen-y-Coe Press open day
September 6, 2016
The Pen-y-Coe Press in Bridge Street, Penicuik is open for Midlothian’s Doors Open Day on Saturday 10th September 2016. There will be papermaking and letterpress printing demonstrations at 11am and 2pm, and the press will be open to visitors from 10–4. See their website for facilities and how to get there.
SPRAT is grateful for support from The Watson Foundation