Almost paradoxically, the 21st Century has ushered in the revival of a craft that has its beginnings in the 1400’s. In this age of 3D printers, letterpress, the technique of relief printing that uses a mechanical printing press, is resurging in small scale, artisan operations throughout North America and Europe. Between A&P Designs, The Southern Letterpress and Calusa Press Co., St. Pete has its share of letterpressing businesses. We at iLovetheBurg.com contacted the father and son business duo Jack and Keefe Manwaring of Calusa Press Co. to see what the excitement is all about. They currently work out of Jack’s garage that is packed with wood block letters and big metal machines complete with gears, levers and moving parts.

“Believe it or not, it was Martha Stewart that brought back the letterpress,” says the father, Jack, as his eyes look up at me over his spectacles from where he leans over a clanking press. Martha Stewart popularized letterpress and ever since letterpressed stationary has emerged as a high-end option for wedding invitations and the like. Large scale letterpressing operations were virtually non-existent and many almost abandonded, vintage presses became affordable for artists as interest in the craft resurfaced. Calusa Press Co. is a classic example, Jack and Keefe have been on the hunt all around Florida for the right machines and block text.

“I worked for a design firm and was sick of doing everything on the computer,” Keefe says. He crosses his arms and pauses. “I suppose I spend about as much time on a computer these days, to be honest.” Keefe will often design a project digitally with a client before hitting the presses with his dad. “We’re still getting started,” Keefe explains. “2013 has been a year of education and learning.” They walk us through the process and we pick up the lingo. One has to set up the block text in a galley, a special tray, and take that to the proof press, a big machine with an ink roller that acts as one’s Microsoft Word spell check. Once the galley is locked, it is time to take it to the proper press to create the design on paper, wood or even metal. Father and son lean over a card they are working on.

“This looks good dad,” Keefe holds up a newly impressed card for a client that reads, "Be Brave Have Fun," a perfect message for a new business that is venturing into an ancient world via modern context. The printing press started a revolution when it first came on the scene in Europe and would remain the greatest means of idea exchange until the 20th Century. Is there a place in the modern world for the press? It would appear that, within the sanctuary of the arts and craft community, the printing press might live on.

Article by Norris Comer, Writer/Editor for iLovetheBurg.com

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