Nestled in Carson, California, the International Printing Museum stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring history of printing. Hosting the 142nd NAPA Convention in July 2017, this unique institution offered attendees an immersive experience into the world of printing presses and historical artifacts. For anyone fascinated by the evolution of communication and the artistry of print, the International Printing Museum in Carson, CA, is a must-visit destination.
The International Printing Museum, located at 315 W. Torrance Blvd. in Carson, CA 90745, is more than just a static display. It’s a dynamic space where the history of printing comes alive. Founded in 1988 to showcase the remarkable Ernest A. Lindner Collection of Antique Printing Equipment, the museum has grown into a world-renowned center for printing history. Visitors are invited to witness live demonstrations, engage with working presses, and explore the vast collections that span centuries of printing innovation. For inquiries, the museum can be reached at 310-515-7166 or via email at [email protected].
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The 142nd NAPA (National Amateur Press Association) Convention, held from July 27th to 29th, 2017, provided a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts and professionals alike to gather at this exceptional venue. The convention was strategically scheduled following the Amalgamated Printers Association (APA) Wayzgoose, also hosted at the Printing Museum, encouraging crossover attendance and fostering a vibrant community of printing aficionados.
Accommodations for the NAPA Convention were conveniently arranged at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Carson, situated at 2 Civic Plaza, Carson, California, 90745. Offering a comfortable stay and complimentary shuttle service to and from the International Printing Museum, the DoubleTree provided an ideal base for convention attendees. Reservations and inquiries could be directed to the hotel at +1-310-830-9200.
The convention program was rich with activities designed to engage and educate attendees. Each day began with NAPA business meetings, followed by a diverse range of workshops and demonstrations showcasing the museum’s extensive collection. Highlights included letterpress demonstrations on historic presses, a hands-on paper marbling workshop, and insights into linotyping and the printing of a special NAPA Convention Journal. Attendees also had the unique opportunity to explore unusual bookbinding techniques and experience printing on both large and small 19th-century hand presses.
Guided tours of the International Printing Museum’s galleries offered a deeper understanding of printing history, from its Asian origins to its development in Europe and America. A special theatre presentation featuring Benjamin Franklin, printer and journalist, brought to life the contributions of this pivotal figure in American printing. Evenings were filled with special events, such as a Printer’s Movie Night featuring printing-related films and a keynote banquet presentation by Mark Barbour, the Museum’s Founding Curator, titled “LINDNER’S GOLD: The Collections of the International Printing Museum.” Barbour’s presentation highlighted the fascinating stories behind Ernie Lindner’s 50-year dedication to assembling this unparalleled collection of antique printing presses.
A unique aspect of the 2017 NAPA Convention was the collaborative creation of a special convention journal. Attendees were invited to submit articles that were then linotyped in hot metal and printed on a Heidelberg cylinder press, with covers produced on a Windmill Press. This hands-on project exemplified the museum’s commitment to preserving and demonstrating traditional printing techniques.
The International Printing Museum’s collection boasts a remarkable array of amateur presses dating from 1850 to the present day. Several of these rare and historic presses were set up for convention attendees to create their own printed keepsakes, offering a tangible connection to printing history. Furthermore, a special presentation of “Treasures from the Museum’s Library” showcased rare type specimen books, printing journals, early amateur press publications, and materials from the founders of the National Amateur Press Association.
For those planning to extend their visit, pre-convention tours to the Huntington Library & Gardens and The Getty Museum, both renowned cultural institutions in the Los Angeles area, were offered. Post-convention, a brunch and open house at Mark Barbour’s Four Quoins Press provided a relaxed conclusion to the event, with further opportunities for printing and exploration of the historic Orange Circle district.
The International Printing Museum itself is a captivating destination. Visitors can witness the process of hand-casting metal printing type in a recreation of Gutenberg’s workshop and even print their own page of the Gutenberg Bible on a replica press. Exhibits trace printing back to its Asian roots, featuring Chinese and Japanese printing blocks, early Chinese papermaking, and Korean cast metal type predating Gutenberg’s innovations.
Stepping into the museum’s Benjamin Franklin exhibit is like entering a colonial print shop, complete with a third-oldest American-made wooden press and original examples of Franklin’s printing, including his Pennsylvania Gazette. Visitors can print their own copy of Poor Richard’s Almanack, further immersing themselves in the era of early American printing.
The museum’s 19th-century exhibits feature the Stanhope Press of 1800, the Columbian Press of 1813, and a recreation of a Calico Rock Newspaper Shop from 1870. This exhibit highlights the challenges and artistry of producing a weekly newspaper in a rural setting during the mid-19th century and features a “Grasshopper” Cylinder Newspaper Press from 1880. The collection also includes early proof presses, such as the portable galley press distributed by Dr. Miles, showcasing the diverse applications of printing technology.
The International Printing Museum houses an extensive collection of typesetting and hot metal linecasting machines, including a Model 1 Linotype from 1890 and its competitors. A fully operational 1950s print shop features working Linotype and Intertype machines, along with a Ludlow Typecaster and Heidelberg presses, offering a glimpse into mid-20th-century printing practices.
Beyond printing presses, the museum’s exhibits encompass wood type, lithography, engraving, paper history, newspapers, typewriters, and much more. The dedication of founder Ernie Lindner and Curator Mark Barbour has transformed the International Printing Museum in Carson, CA, into a world-class institution that educates and inspires over 25,000 visitors each year, ensuring the legacy of printing continues to be appreciated for generations to come.
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