Innerleithen
Today I dragged my mother along to Smail's printing works, and I have to say she rather enjoyed herself. As we entered the shop we were greeted by two friendly faces. Looking around the abundance and high quality of this aged old style of printing was everywhere, from cards and posters to stamps and calendars, art works etc. What stood out to me was just how neat and bright the finish result could be. The black ink was so (what can I say...but ....mmm black) and the yellows and reds just jumped right out. Precise, neat and clear, yet with a sense of ownership and importance you couldn't help but sense something special was awaiting us.
The basic and easiest way to understand the principle of letterpress is to make a fingerprint, Ink is carried on the raised (relief) area's of the finger pad. The paper then comes in contact with the raised areas and so the print or impression is made.
Like many good ideas the printing press evolved from WINE..... yes we've all had a good idea or what we consider at the time a good idea while the red/white stuff is flowing. Johann Gutenberg (1400-68) a German metalsmith invented a printing press from the same basic principles of a wine press. This revolutionised the printing process.
While some of the technical terms do go way over my head, in the same way you have to see art in the flesh to really appreciate it, a visit to a print workshop like this is definitely worth a visit. The time and careful processes that go into this (which I can consider in its self a art form now) are truly something to be remembered. The National Trust for Scotland took over the family business in 1986 and its no wonder why.
The staff were very polite and the way you were guided along the museum was fun and interactive. The sheer size of the machines and the noise that must of came from working in an environment like this must of been intense. Apprenticeship's alone lasted as long 7 years and for this reason a printing job was consider for life. From mixing the inks to fetching the types he would learn all aspects of the business.
Business was strict too.. long hours were typically Mon-Fri 8 til 6 inclusive, Saturdays 8am til noon inclusive.
As stated in the apprentice card from smail's (part of the interactive experience)
Minimum hours to be worked are to be NO LESS than 54 total hours in any given week. It is expected that all Apprentices shall volunteer extra hours to meet exacting deadlines for the good of the business ( it is with reading these words that I question when it all when wrong, jesus now the staff own when they work and dictate to the owners) Execptions to this will be made on saturdays for any apprentice called to represent the town on the Rugby or Football field during the season.
Holidays - 25th December : half day 1st and 2nd January at Mr Smails discrection.....
Compositors - set the type for the all print jobs. These were educate men and were capable of turning the customers scribbled words into visually pleasing and readable designs.
I also noticed the way we read and write has changed considerably over the years, looking at the old guardbooks and some newspaper prints it was very clear the difference and manner in which we read and talk now is so different. Some of the sentences to me seem more like poems. Grammar not being a strong point with me haha I wouldn't of made a good compositor.
| one of the 52 guardbooks |
Printers - mechanically minded and physical strength and stamina needed. good hand eye coordation with impeccable attention to detail.
The shop is still using the old traditional machines for private commissions as well as the souvenirs for sale in the gift shop. It also has working examples of the water wheel, paper room and office.
What I did enjoy and find interesting was the fact that some of the well known saying came from this industry....
DAB HAND - before rollers printers used dabbers to dab ink onto the forme before each print was taken. It was critical that an even, thin spread of ink was applied to ensure consistent impressions for a job, and thus those who could do this well were consider a dab hand.
MIND YOUR Ps AND Qs - easy to confuse the mirror image ofthe p and q type, meaning for the apprentices to be careful when helping thecompositors. While nowadays it more a term used for manners it did originate from this.
OUT OF SORTS - Sorts are the individual pieces of letter type. Should a compositor runout of a certain letter in the middle of a setting job, they would be displeased.
and many more.....
Overall definitely worth a visit for young and old. Will buy some special occasion cards from here and visit again when I have more questions and need answers......
This also reminded me of the art nouveau poster prints
or the old western wanted posters
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