I absolutely love printing, in particular, I have an admiration for the old-style letterpress printing which is essentially the forefather to modern-day printing that we do when we finally manage to get the printer connected to a computer.
So when I had a trip to Innerleithen planned a few years ago, it seemed only natural to pay a visit to the National Trust of Scotland’s Robert Smail’s Printing Works. A museum keeping the art of letterpress printing alive and the oldest surviving commercial letterpress printer in the UK.
What is letterpress printing?
Before becoming majorly commercialised, printing was hard to come by and most of the UK’s population wouldn’t have had access to what we have access to today. Newspapers, books, and bibles would be read communally in pubs after working hours with a dedicated reader. This stayed the case until the 1450’s when Johannes Gutenberg changed the game and created the first printer, which eventually led to the printing industry that we have today.
Johannes created a printing machine that pressed blocks into a piece of paper. Enabling the setting of letters into a block and then ink pressing onto the paper to create a near-consistent impression on the paper. This enabled the mass production of everything we have today and still influences everything we do when typing up documents on computers.
Have you ever wondered, for example, why we measure fonts in points or why you have an uppercase and a lowercase letter? All of these terms come from things to do with letterpress, capital letters, for example, were stored in an uppercase as you didn’t need them as frequently. These basics helped set up what we now know today as basic terms, but also led to much more.
The mass availability of printed books, papers, and other things led to an increase in literacy. More people could read and write which opened up many more opportunities for the masses. The major impact that printing had on society is what kick-started my love of print.
Picture ©Copyright National Trust for Scotland, (source)
Why visit the print workshop?
I won’t beat around the bush here, the print workshop might not be for everyone. But if you have either a love of history or a love of printing, then read on, because this location might be perfect for your next trip to the Scottish borders.
A showcase of the history of printing and its impact
The museum goes into much more than just the printing machines they house there because it is owned by the National Trust for Scotland, the teams there bring in the wider implications that the availability of mass printing had on the locals around the Scottish borders and the wider national increase in welfare. If you’re a history buff then this might just persuade you to visit.
Some great vintage machinery
As it’s the oldest working commercial printer in the UK, the team there uses some of the most vintage and original machinery available. A team of experts keep them ticking over and in good working condition so you can see exactly how things would have been when the shop was originally opened. Definitely not something to miss if you love the old style of machines.
Have a shot yourself
Ever wondered what it was like to set out a print job? As part of the experience of visiting, you can have a first-hand shot at becoming a printer. I’ve been and had a go, and it’s not as easy as they make it look. Trust me. But it certainly opened my eyes to the difficulties the first machines had and how far the industry has come to mass produce some of the printed works we have to this day.
Book your next job
Did I mention they were still commercially active? The machinery working today gives uniqueness to whatever they touch and the team can do everything from posters and flyers right down to wedding invites and business cards. The letterpresses give a vintage feel and a unique look to them – worth it if you’re looking to wow your customers.