The American Printing History Association is pleased to announce its new website. In addition to being a resource for APHA members, it features articles by experts and enthusiasts of interest to the printing history community at large. Visitors will find that it’s responsive to all devices. Yours truly is editor in chief and welcomes 300–500 word […]
MoreAuthor: Paul Moxon, Moderator
The Lost Vandercook House Organ
Recently, I completed a fellowship at the Newberry Library in support of research for the second edition of my book Vandercook Presses: Maintenance, History and Resources (2011). While there, I spent most of my time perusing various trade journals including The Inland Printer, Photo-engravers Bulletin, Graphic Arts Monthly and British Printer, among others, spanning 1909–1976. As I sort out my findings, I […]
MoreThis is not a lollipop
A vintage roller setting gauge is being offered on ebay. I do not recommend bidding on it for two reasons: 1) a used gauge will most likely have a flat spot and so is no longer .918″ high and would therefore provide a false reading as to correct roller height; 2) at $39.95 the price […]
MoreRoad Trip
I’m planning to drive to the Ladies of Letterpress conference in Mt Pleasant IA in June 27-29. My route will put me on I-55 from Jackson MS through Memphis and near St Louis. If anyone is interested in my making a Vandercook service call along the way, send me a message via the contact page.
MoreA Nice Bit of Provenance
Last weekend I did three workshops for Slugfest Printmaking Workshop in Austin, Texas (a great book arts town). This came about because I facilitated their recent purchase of the SP20 for sale by Henry Morris of Bird & Bull Press. One of the principals, Tom Druecker, showed me Henry’s wonderful note about the press that is […]
MoreL.W. Claybourn
Leslie William “Lex” Claybourn (1883–1956) was a printing process pioneer who was issued over 200 U.S. patents. Like Horace Hacker and R.O. Vandercook, Claybourn worked to improve photoengraving and process plates and to reduce makeready. In 1921, he established Claybourn Process Corp. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which made, among other machines, a multicolor press that printed […]
MoreModerator’s News
I want to share two recent developments in my professional life that may be of interest to Vanderblog readers. First, I’m pleased to share that I have been awarded a short-term fellowship at the Newberry Library in Chicago. I will study its collection of printing trade journals as one of my efforts to expand a […]
MoreVanderpurge circa 1965
When folks lament that there are no replacement parts for their ancient press, there’s a reason. Fritz Klinke, owner of NA Graphics and the Vandercook archives, sent me this jpeg showing a Vandercook Engineering Change Order for the 325 series. “This particular change order is about nine pages long, and includes other models. I just grabbed that one and […]
MoreSP15 and other Printing Equipment for Sale
This equipment is owned by the distinguished printer Henry Morris of the Bird & Bull Press in Newtown, PA, USA. Henry has decided to sell his shop and has already sold his type collection, SP20, and his treasured Miehle Vertical. SOLD:He still has the SP15 he purchased new from Vandercook & Sons so it is […]
MoreA new must-read letterpress site
Dear Vanderfolk, add one more bookmark for your letterpress edification: Letterpress Commons. This is a comprehensive, user-created and user-edited, wiki-style website covering all aspects of letterpress practice. Registered users are free to add or modify existing articles, and suggest new topics. All contributions are moderated by an editor with the goal of only publishing objective and substantive material. Some […]
MoreR.O.’s big bike ride
On her website historian Erin F.H. Hughes summarizes R.O. Vandercook’s 1892 bicycle ride through Yellowstone National Park in Vandercook’s High Wheeling Trip West.
MoreGlossary Expanded
Just a note to let readers know that new terms have been added to the Glossary—actually doubling it. Corrections and suggestions are welcome by commenting on this post or privately via the Contact Form.
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