Steve Bartrick Antique Prints & Maps

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Antique prints and maps - how were they made ?

The 'Black Art' (printing) is generally accepted to have been invented by Johann Gutenberg in the fifteenth century. However his true contribution to printing was the casting device by which type can be produced in quantity. The true origins of printing go back much further, there are records of Chinese printing processes based on engraved signets dating back to the ninth century.

The illustration to the left is a wood engraving of about 1865 based on a wood cut published in 1498. The printer is shown at work, extreme left, attended by an apprentice who is holding the 'dabbers', used to ink the type. On the right is the 'compositor', with his 'composing stick' and manuscript copy. This is a good example of a contemporary illustration of how William Caxton's printing office could have looked towards the end of his life.

- The three basic methods of producing prints. Illustrated explanations of the various methods used to produce prints and maps over the centuries.