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.