Learn to print with the Story Museum (From Oxford Mail)

Learn to print with the Story Museum

HISTORIC printing presses from the Bodleian Library are rolling into action to teach youngsters about the heritage of books.

Paul Nash with some of the printing presses

The equipment, some of which dates back to 1669, has been moved from the basement of the New Bodleian to The Story Museum in Pembroke Street.

And a series of courses, workshops and demonstrations has been planned for the coming months at what will be known as the Bodleian Hand- Printing Workshop.

Paul Nash, a specialist in historic printing techniques and presses from the Bodleian, said: “Some of the techniques we are demonstrating here haven’t changed since the 15th century.”

The equipment, used to print books, was originally collected for the Bodleian’s Bibliography Room in 1949 and has since had various homes.

Dr Nash said: “It’s definitely nice to be somewhere where there’s a lot of sunlight, that’s for sure. And we’ve got a lot more room.”

The oldest pieces are three composing frames, which were made for Oxford University Press by a local joiner, John Rainsford, in 1669. Others also date from the 17th century.

Dr Nash said: “We are going to be running family sessions where we can teach parents and children about the history of the printing press. Each person goes home with a keepsake that they’ll have made themselves.”

The first family printing workshop will be held on Saturday for children aged eight and over.

Call 01865 790050 for more information.