Urban Cottage Industries

This unrestored linecaster and
This unrestored linecaster and “operator” greet visitors at the entrance to Urban Cottage Industries.

Some of you may remember an article that appeared on Metal Type last year called David Evans, A New Era, 2011. It took a look at David Evans’ move from Halifax, West Yorkshire, UK to new premises in Mytholmroyd, four miles up the road.

David, and new partner Stanley Wilson, have even managed to add to their collection of letterpress equipment since the move. I visited the new premises again in June 2012. Read the Full Article . . .

Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 1970

Bradford Telegraph & Argus front page, January 7, 1970
Bradford Telegraph & Argus front page, January 7, 1970.

Bruce Anderton recently digitised some of his old photographic slide collection, and sent these in to Metal Type.

Says Bruce: “Note space at the side of the masthead; this was where the edition seal was printed in red (the only colour in the paper in those days); latterly the “fudge” – or late news secor, on the back page – was also printed in red. Read the Full Article . . .

Daily Telegraph

Len Reid, Len Rasen and Dave Carter
Len Reid, Len Rasen and Dave Carter.

Thanks to John S Smith, a retired Linotype operator, for sending in these pictures taken at the Daily Telegraph just before the demise of hot metal.

Or in John’s own words: “These photos were taken just before the demise of the best club in the world, Fleet Street.” Read the Full Article . . .

Linotype Wapiti (Elk)

Overview of the sculpture
Overview of the sculpture.

Many thanks to Mike Wilson, a Metal Type regular, and a former Linotype operator from Bridlington, UK for sending in these photographs he took on a recent trip to Canada.

A local artist Carl Sean McMahon made a sculpture from an old Linotype machine for display outside the City Hall in Castlegar, British Columbia, Canada. Read the Full Article . . .

The Linofilm System

The simple keyboard is one of the main factors to Linofilm superiority. It permits the operator to concentrate on setting type quickly and accurately
The simple keyboard is one of the main factors to Linofilm superiority. It permits the operator to concentrate on setting type quickly and accurately.

The material on this page is taken from a brochure published in circa 1960 by the Mergenthaler Linotype Company. The brochure showcased the company’s latest machines and innovations, including the Linofilm System.

WITH the perfection of the Linofilm System, Mergenthaler Linotype Company contributes another revolutionary development to the graphic arts. Read the Full Article . . .