The Penrith Museum of Printing
is located west of Sydney at the grounds of the Penrith Paceway, Ransley Street
Penrith, NSW Australia.
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Phone: 0415 625 573
Email: pmop@printingmuseum.org.au
The Penrith Museum of Printing
opening hours:
Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm
or by arrangement.
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Tour bookings will be taken
either on line or phone
contact us: 0408 412 708
New C4 Intertype
with TTS system
We are excited to announce that the Penrith Museum of Printing has successfully acquired a C4 Intertype, adding to our growing collection of historical printing machinery. This remarkable machine was transported from Canberra, where it resided in the garage of John and Joy Tonkin for over 30 years. It once played a crucial role in producing the Border Mail newspaper.
The C4 Intertype now stands proudly alongside our existing C4 model and neighbouring Linotype Models 5, 8, and 78. What makes this particular machine so special is its unique TTS (Tape-to-Screen) tape reader. After being stored for decades, we were thrilled to find that when plugged in, it ran perfectly and as quietly as a mouse.
Once we complete a thorough cleaning and lubrication, we look forward to running the C4 Intertype for our visitors, offering a glimpse into the golden era of typesetting and printing.
However, we are in need of TTS perforated tape for this model C machine. If anyone has spare tape or knows of a source, we would be extremely grateful for a donation or would be happy to negotiate a fair purchase price.
Visit us to see this incredible piece of printing history in action and experience the art of traditional typesetting up close!
Looking for a Sunday activity Visit our unique Museum
Nestled in the heart of a region rich with history and natural beauty, the Penrith Museum of Printing stands as a beacon for enthusiasts of history, printing, and culture. Whether you're a first-time visitor or it's been a while since your last journey to our museum, we invite you to experience the wonders of printing history anew. Our museum has recently undergone significant enhancements, acquiring numerous new artifacts to enrich our collection and redesigning our layout to offer a more immersive and engaging experience.
The Penrith Museum of Printing isn't just any museum; it's a living museum that transports visitors back in time to 1450, to the dawn of the information revolution sparked by Johannes Gutenberg's groundbreaking invention of movable type. This innovation laid the foundation for the spread of knowledge, transforming society in ways that still impact us today.
Penrith Show Draws Hundreds to Experience Living History at the Penrith Museum of Printing
The Penrith Show this year was a fantastic success, bringing a substantial crowd to our Print Museum over the weekend. We welcomed approximately 500 visitors, many of whom spent over an hour exploring the rich history of printing. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with guests expressing their admiration for the immersive experience offered by our Living Museum in action.
Visitors were treated to live demonstrations of historical printing presses, starting with the Replica wooden Common Press from the 1700s and moving through time to the impressive collection of presses, including the 1842 Colombian, the 1864 Albion, the 1870 Arab, the 1880s Wharfedale, the 1936 Cylinder, and the iconic Platen. Each machine was brought to life, offering a rare glimpse into the evolution of print technology.
Our Composing Room was another major attraction, where guests could witness the traditional hand-setting techniques used by Gutenberg in the 1450s, alongside more modern methods like the Linotype from the 1880s and the Ludlow. Many visitors were delighted to have their names set on the Ludlow and printed on a certificate, complete with a touch of gold dusting as a unique souvenir. Several even got hands-on experience, assisting with the operation of the hand-powered 1864 Albion press.
The display of a facsimile of the Gutenberg Bible also drew considerable interest, sparking conversations about the history of printed books. Many attendees expressed interest in joining the museum, enrolling in one of our three courses, or booking guided tours.
Overall, it was a highly successful weekend, made possible by the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. Their efforts were instrumental in creating such a memorable experience. The positive feedback from both young and older visitors highlights that once inside, the Print Museum is truly an unforgettable and must-see experience for all.
Pressgang Donates Zoll AED to Penrith Museum of Printing
Pressgang, the Industries Newspaper Production group that has been meeting monthly since 1970 to discuss all things related to production, has generously donated a Zoll AED (Automated External Defibrillator) to the Penrith Museum of Printing. While it is hoped that this life-saving device will never be needed, its presence is a significant gesture of support and care from Pressgang.
The decision to donate the AED was made by the Committee members: Peter Williams, Gordon Cole, James Ackland, Bob Lockley, Marcus Hooke, and Sean Tait. With the museum's growing number of visitors, the committee recognized the importance of having such a device readily available.
The museum is extremely grateful for this thoughtful donation. Moreover, members of the museum who are interested will receive training on how to use the AED from St John Ambulance staff in the near future. This ensures that the museum is well-prepared for any potential emergencies, underscoring the importance of having an AED in every organization.​
Upcoming Event:
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This year we will organise again a special AliaRare Book event on Sunday 20 October starting at 11:00
Explore the fascinating world of **Box Wood Engraving** and early printing. Witness live demonstrations of hand typesetting, historic presses in action, and Australia’s last letterpress newspaper printed in 2023. Try typesetting yourself and view facsimiles of the **Gutenberg Bible**. An engaging, interactive journey through printing history.
For attending Book at Eventbrite here.
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The Museum will back to the Campbelltown "Oil, Steam & Kerosene" Family Fun Days on 19th & 20th October
​We look forward to seeing you there!​
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Enrol in our 2024 Typography and Letterpress Printing courses 2 spots available in September and 3 spots available on 5 October Reserve your spot.
Master printing on Adana desktop letterpress machines in just one day, crafting remarkable pieces without the aid of modern technology.​
To avoid disappointment please send us a email or call for bookings, 0408 412 708 or
email: pmop@printingmuseum.org.au
Pictured are Bob Lockley, President Penrith Museum of Printing being presented the Defibrillator by James Ackland Pressgang Convenor.