Historic printing comes to life at Beck Isle Museum, Pickering
Visitors to Beck Isle Museum in Pickering will have a rare opportunity to experience the fascinating history of printing this month, when the museum hosts a special interactive event to share the story of the printing press.
Taking place ono Saturday July 25, Make Your Mark will bring together historic printing demonstrations, traditional crafts and hands-on family activities, all included in the museum’s standard annual admission.
The centrepiece of the day will be a working full-size replica of the Gutenberg printing press, famous for printing the first Bibles and for being the first press to use removable metal type.
Its invention transformed the way knowledge was shared and revolutionised communication across the world.
The event is on from 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Expert craftsman Simon Dunn, of History in the Making in North Lincolnshire, will be on hand to demonstrate the press throughout the day, sharing the woodworking skills involved in building the replica press.
Vivien Stephens, Trustee of Beck Isle Museum, said: “We are so delighted to welcome Simon to this event.
"His skills are in demand – Simon is often to be found creating bespoke furniture for private clients and historic properties, and his expertise will help us bring a really important part of our heritage to life.”
The museum is well-known for its own Columbian printing press, which is regularly operated by museum volunteers.
“Our press represented an important leap forward in printing technology – capable of printing large pages with less physical effort than its wooden predecessors, and revolutionising the way newspapers, posters, and books were produced.
"But ours only tells part of the story,” said Vivien.
“To understand the full story – and the technologies that shaped the past – we need to go back further, to the wooden press.”
Alongside the demonstrations, Simon will showcase the images he creates from hand-carved printing blocks and bring the press to life in action.
Museum volunteers will offer a range of activities for visitors of all ages.
These will include a brass rubbing trail, lino printing with guidance and materials provided, and the chance to write using traditional dip pens and ink.
Children will also be able to receive personalised certificates printed on the museum’s Victorian Columbian Press, with opportunities to take photographs with their certificates.
All activities are included in the museum’s standard annual admission, priced at £8 per adult, with family tickets also available.
Admission tickets are valid for 12 months.