Elrod Casting 36pt

Many thanks to Andy Taylor, of the Elrod Press, for sending in this video of his Elrod strip caster producing 36pt mounting material for 8-guage magnesium plates.

Need some strip material? Click here to open a PDF (in a new window) which shows the varied materials Andy can cast, along with his contact details. Read the Full Article . . .

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 . . .

Yorkshire Evening Press, 1984

An Intertype Monarch on the TTS casting Section
An Intertype Monarch on the TTS casting Section.

There are six pages of Yorkshire Evening Press photos on Metal Type. Check the “Related Pages” menu to see the rest.

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

Bradford Industrial Museum

A Frederick Ullmer guillotine, and a couple of presses in the background
A Frederick Ullmer guillotine, and a couple of presses in the background.

I recently paid a visit to the Bradford Industrial Museum in Yorkshire, here in the UK.

If anyone is planning a trip there, I recommend that you go on a Wednesday when museum volunteers Jimmy Young, Donald Stott and Michael Booth are on hand to demonstrate the equipment and answer any questions you may have. Read the Full Article . . .

Unusual Intertype

The article from
The article from “The Printer”

Mike Phillips sent me an electronic copy of “The Printer” the front page was taken up with this very unusual Intertype machine, I’ve got to say I’ve never seen anything quite like it!

The accompanying article, which you may just be able to read in the inset box says: Read the Full Article . . .

Elektron Back Splash

George Finn
George Finn attends to a Linotype Elektron back splash.

Many thanks to George Finn, Metal Type stalwart and Forum moderator for sending this picture of himself in.

George says: “I was going through some old family photos and ran across this one of me working on an Elektron Linotype. Read the Full Article . . .