The Printing House Museum

(See also Cockermouth)

The Museum of Printing, in a 16^th century Cockermouth building, stocks 15^th-20^th century British printing presses and equipment. There is a display on the history of printing beginning with the 15^th century and leading into the age of automaton. The composing room shows how type was set by hand, and a hands-on aspect helps visitors learn how to set type.

The collection of presses includes iron presses, treadle machines and automatics. One, an 1830 Imperial Press with a massive 3-foot by 2-foot bed, was capable of producing everything from newspapers to tiny prayer books. Automated typesetting is represented by a modal 78 and "war finish" model 48. These are working machines, and hot metal castings are regularly held.

Museum of Printing
Cockermouth is on the A66, 8 miles east of Workington.

Museum of Printing
102 Main Street
Cockermouth CA13 9LX
Tel. 01900 824984
Fax. 01900 823124
Open Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm.
Email: info@printinghouse.co.uk

Photos courtesy of Julian Thurgood

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