graphics
I studied Art and English at London University. I have always been interested in painting, graphics and printing.
letterpress
I am interested in the letterpress system of printing. This is the technology that was used for the first books printed by Gutenberg and Caxton. I have recently changed my line-up of presses. (I had an Adana 8x5 and an Adana TP48). When I saw my Furnival advertised on ebay - I knew I had to have it! I am an ebay junkie, but this is the biggest the most expensive, and the HEAVIEST item so far...
I bought it in September, 2008, after reading about the 'Arab' platens at www.britishletterpress.co.uk - a great site. Here I read that running and using an Arab style press was something I could aspire to. My Furnival was advertised as an 'Arab style' press, and this is what caught my attention. Of course it was not an Arab, but look at the fantastic job that has been done on the restoration...I was pleased to get hold of this one.
My Furnival is mainly cast iron and steel, and weighs about half a ton. This is quite literally on the edge of what can be acquired with a rented tail-lift Luton. Anything heftier would need a crane.
It was acquired from Willow Wood, a company that still use these presses commercially, making high-quality wedding stationery.
The press has the following cast into one of the cross members: 'Furnival & Co's Express - Reddish & London'. The number of my machine is 366. If anybody has any more details of these presses, please let me know!
Here's a couple more pics showing the basic letterpress method:
The platen is opened: put in the paper. The forme (type) is inked by the rollers (shown here about to come back up) ready for the impression. The forme of type is held by a 'chase' (frame) which defines how much I can print in one go. This Furnival Express is a Foolscap Folio size, which means the inner chase size is 13 inches by 9. Yes.. there are many terms to learn in letterpress.
And here the platens are brought together and a print is made.
Useful links for finding more about printing:
- The British Printing Society - useful for downloadable guides on letterpress
- The Briar Press - great online museum including most of the Adana lineup (but no TP48!)
- British Letterpress - a new website that is great for finding more information about the larger presses like the Arab.
painting
Here’s a "recent" shot of me with a completed canvas (Room 140, oil painting, 1981-2, artist’s collection). Note the kettle in the picture, the beginning of a recurring theme.
This is Kettle IV (oil painting, 1982, private collection). I painted several kettles. This was a commission.
