![]() The machine creates one line of type at a time by heating up molten lead from a mold based upon the chosen type family. ![]() To illustrate the evolution of “letterpress as craft” and tool of communication to “letterpress as art” he demonstrated the Linotype machine, (it creates a line-of-type!). Each of the 15 UCA art students were able to pull a print while John helped them through process, all the while continuing to explain the importance of proper press usage, inking, pressure, ideal paper weight John Horn is a wealth of information but does not wax poetic, we quickly moved from one aspect of the tour to another. Students watched in either fixed awe or anxious enthusiasm, while he explained the basic function of the press, the role of the master printer, and the role of the apprentice in the history of the Harrild & Sons Letterpress. Many presses of this age are not in working condition, but if it holds type, John has made it his business to know how to fix it, use it, and maintain it. John was ready for us, and had a press charged with ink and ready to go, a Harrild & Sons Albion Press, manufactured c. ![]() Like a magpie, my eyes swam from type drawer to type drawer, from expertly printed posters to signs and cards with smart quips and decorative ornaments, mostly created by John himself or other local printers. Although John has an intimate group of apprentices and Robyn works contemplatively painting and sculpting, they graciously invited a group of UCA typography, graphic design, and printmaking students along with Bryan Massey, Pete Bella, and myself to visit their studios in January.Īfter the trek through racks and racks of cases of myriad type, (individual metal and wood letters that make up a type family, what many people understand now as fonts) and letterpress equipment that went from the floor to ceiling, we arrived at the print studio. The Horn’s and their collection of functioning presses and type are letterpress famous, but they generally prefer to fly under the radar. Students and faculty were able to take part in printing with one of the oldest presses in the Shooting Star Press studio
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