Last week we travelled to King Edward's School in Birmingham and repaired their Albion which didn't work correctly. We replaced the spring and got the machine functioning but came to the conclusion that an earlier replacement piece was too short hampering the machine's downward stroke. We levelled it and replaced the straps. The press now works much to the delight of Bradley Spencer the head of Art there. We also serviced their etching presses. We then travelled onto Birmingham Printmakers to sort out a problem with their elderly Albion which we will return to finish shortly.
Next we were requested by Tim Prus to reassemble, de-rust and assess his American Hoe hand presses. Tim "discovered" these machines in Bogota, Columbia including a complete step-back-in-time printer's workshop. He leapt at the chance of importing all this back to the UK. We will be installing them in his workshop some time next month. They are probably the only American Hoe presses extant in the UK, and they cleaned up nicely. We will print test them after installation. Tim was pleased and I think he got a bit of a bargain even with the hassle of shipping and customs.
Friday morning last week found us installing a treadle Arab printing machine in Wimbledon, another job which required negotiating narrow doors and re-assembling. The client an American lady Cayce was thrilled with her new acquisition and will be putting it to work printing wedding invitations and personal stationery. The press originated from the pretty town of Presteigne just over the Welsh border near Ludlow. The owners grandson had to clear out the workshop where there remains a Heidelberg and a Wharfedale Stop Cylinder press. The access was tight and we worked there on a really hot day. However once the Arab press was degreased of 60 plus years of dirt it went back together a treat and runs smooth as silk.
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