The Mobile Print Shop

Hi, I'm Graham (aka Inkiana Judd!). I'm hoping you will help me with my special project, something educational, arty, crafty, and just lots of fun. With your help we can raise the money to get the MOBILE PRINT SHOP up and away! Here's my story.

In this digital age, all that children (and many adults) know of printing is pressing a button on a computer. But there is a wonderful history to printing, going back to 1450 and Johann Gutenberg’s invention of moveable type and the printing press.

I'm keen to share my love of printing, and especially letterpress, with folk throughout NZ. There is an appeal to the hands-on aspect and the old distressed look of the print. I want to take my old (1833) Albion press to libraries, schools, markets, and events around Auckland and towns.

There are already opportunities to take the press on excursions, it has been to the Auckland Central Library, out to Bethel's Beach, down the road to a local church. But taking it anywhere has proven quite a mission. Hiring a truck each time won't be practical, for the independence and length of time I expect to be away from home base with printing ventures.

What I am needing is finance to help with construction of something to transport the press. It weighs around 500kgs, not something that can normally be moved easily.

The best solution will be a purpose built trailer and to go with it, a pop up gazebo for outdoor presentations. The press is very top heavy, the trailer needs to have a number of features that a regular trailer is not able to be adapted to. It needs a removable floor so it can roll up to the press. It needs lifting gear, and strong bracing with secure tie downs. It needs to be capable of a one man setup when required.

An engineer has spent some time with the press, and knows what will be required. He is ready to start building as soon as funds are available. Your donations will help pay for building the trailer, and purchase of a suitable gazebo.

With the trailer built, the first major out of town event will be this coming May, at Featherston Booktown. The press will be printing at workshops and walk in presentations. We have booked in events in Masterton and Palmerston North on the same trip.

Would you like to be part of the adventure, to help see it happen? You can help get the mobile print shop on the road, please make a donation, and it may soon be in a town near you!

Thank you,

Graham.