Johannes Gutenberg is the most important figure in printing history. He lived in Germany in the 15th century. Gutenberg, who was a professional silversmith, invented an interchangeable, reusable, movable type for printing with a wooden press. The ink was an oily varnish made from soot and walnut oil. His print shop employed about 25 people and was able to print six pages per day. The Bible, which was printed in 1403, was his masterpiece. 180 copies of the Bible were produced with 1282 pages each. Only 48 of the 180 copies still exist.
Gutenberg’s exact technique for making movable types remains unclear. He was familiar with the art of casting metal using a reverse impression. The Netherlands was the centre of book printing in the 1600s, and Christophe Plantin was the dominant figure. By 1576, he had 22 presses.
Digital printing is the future and a viable alternative for litho printing. Depending on the application, you may choose to use electro-ink or toner, or even inkjet. The quality of the final image is the key to any comparison. For details on Gloucester Printers, contact https://bizstationery.co.uk/services/print-shop
In this age, printing is not limited to the written word. Artwork can be printed in a sophisticated manner. These technologies require a specific type of paper. It must be archival, heavyweight and cotton-based. Let’s look further at the origins of printing in Britain.
William Caxton, a man who lived in the 15th century during which the German printing industry was booming, is a name that you may recognise. In 1473, he set up a press in Bruges where the first English-language book was printed. In 1476, he brought his printing knowledge back to Britain and set up a print shop at Westminster. First book to be printed in Westminster was an edition of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Caxton has also been credited for standardising the English Language through printing. It was claimed that this contributed to the expansion and development of the English vocabulary, as well as the inflections and syntax of the language.
William Caslon was another William who was responsible for designing the typeface. In 1716, he opened a business in London as a gun lock and barrel engraver and bookbinder’s tools cutter. After establishing contact with printers he set up a foundry. His type was admired by the top printers of that time for its distinction and legibility. It was used in some important works including the first print of the United States Declaration of Independence.
