This is no static display of ancient machinery but a working, composing, printing replication of how a 1930s or 40s printshop would have operated.
Regular courses have re-started following the make-over and the museum is open to all comers every Saturday from 9am to 3pm. The oldest piece of equipment is an 1867 UK-made Albion lever press, loaned by PMP’s Michael Hannan, that still prints today.
Other gems include an 1880s Wharfedale stop cylinder letterpress, made beside the banks of the River Wharfe in Yorkshire, UK. Such was their popularity and durability, one was still in commercial use printing posters until 2007. The one at Penrith was used to print The Nepean Times newspaper. Two original Linotypes and an Intertype provide the typesetting, still clattering away after 100 years or more.
The volunteer men who keep the machinery in working order are lucky to work in the ultimate ‘man-shed’ in the shadow of Penrith Panthers football stadium.
The ‘Old Friends’ society tour was followed by a lunch and camaraderie, with Print21 proud to donate a small book from my own collection – the official 1955 catalogue of Australia’s first printing trade show held at Wynyard Concourse, Sydney. Member James Cryer was thrilled to discover a 2-page advertisement for his father and grandfather’s company inside! (see pic below)
Congratulations to all involved in the Museum of Printing, Penrith – it’s well worth a visit on a Saturday morning, or enroll in one of the re-started courses.