The History Of Printing Presses

The art of printing is believed to have originated in China thousands of years ago, although the first recorded history credits it to Caxton followed by Guttenberg. Weighty Monster presses started showing up in the Victorian Era, and evolved to produce the Albion Press, this gothic Victorian style was apparent in many later printing machines. This resulted in Engineers designing printing machines for artists not artists designing printing presses for themselves.

For years artists were trapped into only being able to print at institutions. Machines were revered without being used to their full potential. The main focus, seemed to be with the presses rather than the art work.

In the late 1980's Dave gunning revolutionised printing presses with a much more "hands on" approach to machines. Over twenty years on Dave has perfected his presses, and is still hand making his presses from hos Shropshire workshop. Daves on-going adventure is to educate, so the art of etching and printing never dies. Born amongst the steel works in Bilston West Midlands 55 years ago Dave has a long family pedigree of steel bashing. His own art is featured in many private and public collections including National Museum of Wales, The Palace of Westminster and also the Royal Collection.

The machines are hand made in England and are completely different from other machines available. They print etchings, collographs, lino, bromoil and woodcuts. Dave offers a lifetime warranty with all of his presses, such is the quality of both the workmanship and the prints themselves.Dave Gunnings Gunningarts printing presses are located in schools, colleges and artists studios. In fact he has produced over 1000 of these premium printing machines.One even takes its pride of place within the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, an accolade any artist or designer would be proud of.

‘I saw a press in a museum in Paris that was Picasso’s, I never dreamed I would have a press I hade made in a museum as an exhibit!’ Dave Gunning 2009

By: Rob Deans

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This short article was written on behlaf of Ironbridge Fine Arts & Framing, Sellers of Gunningarts Etching Printing Presses and specialists in Bespoke Framing. For further info, please visit www.ironbridgeframing.co.uk