The Printing Press, undeniably the most impactful invention on the spread of communication, knowledge and education on a global scale. It facilitated the age of the enlightenment, allowing for a mass production of books, putting literacy into the hands of the everyday man, sharing ideas and new developments across the world. Bristol, a city built on transport and trade, boasted a booming and integrated print industry, which employed the hands of hundreds of compositors, setters, hot metal workers and machinists. These were highly trained and skilled individuals, working long, laborious hours. Highly skilled, serving six-year apprenticeships, this is the story of the industry through the eyes and hands of those who formed it.
The Bristol Set in Print Project has spent 2016 working with retirees from the print industry, researching their stories and connecting them with current practitioners in a series of unique intergenerational skill sharing activities. These have culminated in the printing of a large map, documenting and celebrating a few of the key print houses from our City. Through the production of this hand-printed art, using traditional letterpress techniques, the skills of this ancient craft have been passed into the hands of a new generation of printers. A practice which is in danger of becoming lost, were it not for a scarce few still keeping the spirit of print alive today.
