A must-read for printers

The book, which has been printed on Novatech Matt 170gsm and 350gsm, features over 40 stories and anecdotes from printers and compositors. They worked with a team of mentors from Fighting Words to document their memories of apprenticeships and working in jobbing houses, newspapers and binderies – a world very different to that of today’s printing houses. With titles such as ‘Finger Pointing’ and ‘Budget Night Frenzy,’ this collection of stories is sure to prompt memories and conversations among printers, past and present.

Choosing a worthy print substrate

The selection of paper is especially important for a publication about print, so choosing a material worthy of this book was particularly significant. The National Print Museum opted for Novatech Matt because of its bulk and feel. The coating of this two-side coated, wood-free paper results in flawless performance on the press, together with dot excellence. It produces images and pictures that are true to life, vibrant and accurate. Novatech Matt also offers high opacity and is archival guaranteed for 200+ years, making it the ideal choice for the printing of books.

Carla Marrinan Funder, CEO, National Print Museum, said, “This book documents the memories of letterpress printers and compositors from the industry of the second half of the 20^th century. In creating a book dedicated to craftspeople, it was only appropriate that we work with some of the best of today’s suppliers and printers to produce a beautiful book. We could not be happier with the end result – a true celebration of print past and present.”

500 copies of this beautifully designed and printed book have been produced by Dublin-based Westside Press, printed on their Kimori Lithrone G4OP.

Antalis donated B1 sheets of Olin Colours Baby Blue to produce a limited-edition dust jacket. The sheets were printed by Mary Plunket, the museum’s Education Officer, who is also a letterpress printer.