Last week we were doing a little summer and fall cleaning in the print shop to get ready for the fast approaching spring wedding season. We decided it was time to finally go through some old boxes of letterpress materials, spare parts and assorted tools.

In one box of accessories that bore the signs of a letterpress life well lived, (grease, ink and old printed materials) we stumbled upon this book:

While it did not specifically say when this book was printed, it is safe to say it is at least 70+ years old.

Printed in four languages, this list of spare parts was full of interesting letterpress information.

It made me think how classic of a craft we are partaking in. I almost felt like a part of artistic history just holding the book. People from around the world appreciate, print and purchase letterpress printed materials.

The timeless craft of printing artisan-style letterpress wedding invitations is nothing new to the people at Heidelberg, and being a part of this vintage tradition is a great feeling. While there are new technologies, procedures and craftsman, nothing beats the timeless spirit that letterpress creates.

Since this law was created there have been wars, treaties, trade agreements and a whole lot else has changed in the world. However, we still print on the same machine using almost all of the original parts. Good to know that some great things will never change.

Written by Nick

Invitations by Ajalon
View our letterpress wedding invitation gallery.