The Arab printing press appeal

Last week, we uploaded the half hour film that Graham made for the Oxford Guild of Printers a few years ago. The film was a hands-on lesson in how to set up a Arab press and operate it from beginning to end for any printing job. The techniques shown apply to anyone wanting to know more about any kind of platen press, and how to prepare the press to print metal type beautifully. This was demonstrated on the Arab Crown Folio press that Graham had bought from the widow of the man whose father bought it new in 1905, Mr Taberer, then of Nantwich. Mr Taberer was the last known jobbing printer printing in the Welsh language, primarily for Methodist churches. He had inherited the business having worked with his father, so the press was genuinely second hand and had been beautifully maintained.

About 8 years ago, it was necessary to sell it to cover for the drop in income occassioned by Graham’s partner Kathy Whalen’s terminal cancer. All artisans and craftworkers know that a steady and reliable income is very difficult to maintain at the best of times, and this was the worst of times. A good friend of Incline Press bought the press from us at a handsome price, and made it possible for us to get over the difficulty.

By several strange flukes, we discovered (on the day the film went onto YouTube) that the current owner was willing to sell the press back to us, and kindly agreed to do so for the price he paid. When in as good working condition as this one, these machines are expensive to purchase. We will also require the services of specialist removers to transport it back to Oldham. We have paid a £1000 deposit and need to raise another £3000 to bring the press back home.

We are asking for donations until such time as we’ve raised the further £3,000. In return, no matter the size of the donation, we shall be printing and sending a special commemorative broadsheet, to be printed on the Arab once it is back in the workshop. They will of course be signed and numbered.

UPDATE!

We have been very thankful to recieve the funds we needed to buy the press and have it moved back home. We shall keep you posted via Instagram. Thank you!