Graphic Students' Workshop

PRINTING WITHOUT COMPUTERS

FIVE-HOUR WORKSHOP

	Michael explains how the Linotype works while Laurie operates it, producing lines ("slugs") of type.
	Students preparing to compose lines in the "Ludlow" linecasting system. They are handling the "matrices" (letter moulds). In front of them on the bench are a number of engravings. Engravings are needed to print illustrations. One of the engravings is a "lino-cut".
	The Ludlow matrices are assembled by hand into a "Ludlow Composing Stick". This contrasts with the Linotype, where the matrices are assembled automatically by keyboard.
	A very small ink roller enables spot colour, on the hand-inked, hand operated Albion press.
	Students are surprised how easy it is to print a sheet from a page of typesetting.
	As Laurie coaches a student about to print her copy of the souvenir poster, others look on.
	Warren Taylor (Monash School of Design) has been a frequent visitor with his students. The students benefit from his experience of traditional printing so gained, by producing more challenging posters.
	Students gather around the Museum's two 150-year-old cast-iron platen presses as Laurie shows them how a job is set up.
	Pleased with the souvenir poster. The poster includes the name of each participant.
	Students look on, amid the composing department machinery, as Michael demonstrates how to operate the "Ludlow" linecaster. Behind the Ludlow is the "compositor's saw" a vital piece of equipment in most printeries of old, which cuts and trims spacing material to exact measures. Behind the students the Linotype linecaster may be seen.
	Operating the "cylinder" press.

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