The Penrith Museum of Printing
is located west of Sydney at the grounds of the Penrith Paceway, Ransley Street
Penrith, NSW Australia.
Phone: 0415 625 573
Email: pmop@printingmuseum.org.au
The Penrith Museum of Printing
opening hours:
Sundays from 10 am or by arrangement and for groups during the week (please contact us first)
Tour bookings will be taken
either on line or phone
Contact us: 0415 625 573
Our museum proudly participated in the Visual Impact Expo
from May 3rd to May 5th, 2023.
Our exhibition booth, D36, was located alongside the LIA stand. Our captivating display featured a cabinet filled with type cases, a case showcasing various types, setting sticks, lock-up facilities, our beloved Pearl printing press, and the recently restored MODEL 3 press.
The walls were adorned with numerous photos, blocks, and wooden type, creating an immersive experience for visitors. Although we were initially apprehensive, being surrounded by modern wide-format exhibits and other contemporary attractions, we were pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming positive response we received from visitors of all ages, especially the younger generation.
Drawing from our previous successful experiences at the Arms of Australia show on Australia Day and the State Archives Centre in Kingswood, where we allowed visitors to have their names set and printed on certificates using our 1880 Pearl press, we decided to follow a similar approach at the expo. This time, we invited visitors to personally set their own names, assist with the lock-up process, observe the printing, and disassemble the type. This interactive activity proved to be an absolute hit, with an incredible amount of enthusiasm from participants. Although we lost count of the number of prints, we produced, we were constantly busy throughout the three-day event, operating from 10 am to 6 pm on the first two days and from 10 am to 4 pm on the final day.
The expo not only allowed us to engage with a diverse audience, but it also resulted in significant achievements for our museum. We gained a new member, identified several potential tour opportunities, and estimated that over 100 individuals expressed interest in visiting us in the future. Additionally, we established valuable contacts for potential collaborations and future endeavours.
None of these achievements would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our team. We had a total of ten members who manned the booth over the course of the three days, putting in long hours. Setting up and dismantling the exhibition required an additional day, making it a demanding five-day effort. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who contributed their time and effort, as they not only worked diligently but also had the opportunity to witness firsthand the importance of our museum to the public. The level of interest and enthusiasm we encountered during the expo was truly impressive.
Visitors impressed with new addition
The Glenmore Park Church Seniors were the first group to witness the new addition to our collection, a remarkable 1700s replica. Their visit to the museum left them amazed not only with the newly added item but with the museum's entirety. They praised the museum's unique approach to showcasing history as a "living, working museum," which kept them engaged for two hours. The group was so impressed that they even suggested charging more for the quality of the experience they received. The feedback from the seniors is a testament to the museum's efforts in providing an exceptional and immersive experience to visitors.
The Common press was generously donated by Richard Jermyn from Eden NSW, who also provided a book press and a 1902 Linotype powered by gas. Visitors to the museum can experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a functioning museum by scheduling a group tour during the week or dropping by on Sundays. The museum also offers courses for those interested. The printed word has had a profound impact on the world, and the museum is proud to showcase the history of printing technology.
Successful Courses
At our museum, we offer various courses to enhance people's knowledge and skills. Recently, we conducted a Heidelberg course, where Mike Elliot and Fiona McDonald participated. Mike had also completed our Poster course earlier this year. During the Heidelberg course, our trainer George guided and assisted the participants. Fiona, who is a volunteer at the Kandos Museum and resides in Ilford, plans to attend our upcoming Poster course in April/May. There is one spot available for anyone who is interested. Our courses are designed to provide practical learning experiences and opportunities to develop new skills. Join us to broaden your horizons and gain valuable insights into the field of art and museum studies.
On February 1, a fantastic poster-making course took place with attendees from Picton and Woodford who created exceptional works of art. This year, we're offering workshops on Typesetting, Printing, and Poster creations that you can still register for on our website or by emailing pmop@printingmuseum.org.au.
Come and visit to see another impressive printing press that has been meticulously restored. The Model 3 has undergone a thorough restoration by the skilled hands of George Gearside
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Discover the fascinating world of printing at The Penrith Museum of Printing's stall at Visual Impact Sydney from May 3rd to May 5th, 2023. This is a great opportunity to explore the rich history of printing and see how it has evolved over time.
You find us at booth D 36
To avoid disappointment please send us a email or call for bookings, 0415 625 573 or
email: pmop@printingmuseum.org.au
Click on the photo to hear the history of printing and our museum
