at the National Museum of American History

On Monday, June 29, about a dozen members of the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Printing History Association were treated to a special lecture and presentation by Paul Moxon about the history of Vandercook and Sons (founded 1909) and the plethora of proof presses they manufactured throughout the 20th century. We met at one of America’s premier archives of printing history, the Smithsonian Institution’s Printing and Graphic Arts Collection at the National Museum of American History.  Paul supported his talk with illustrations and advertisements of early Vandercook presses, starting with the 1909 “Rocker”, and he recounted his experiences in compiling the Vandercook census. We learned that there are eleven recorded Vandercook presses in the immediate DC area. One of them was right in front of us, a Universal III from 1968 in the Smithsonian’s collection. Some members might recall the cover page printed at the Smithsonian in the 2013 APHA-Chesapeake calendar. Paul explained common problems in maintaining and repairing Vandercooks and how to address them. He walked us through the condition of the Smithsonian’s Uni III (excellent), and showed us how vital it is to pay close attention to the rollers.

After finishing his talk and Q-and-A session at the Smithsonian, some members joined Paul for his visit to Typecase Industries  to see him in action on their Vandercook No. 4. It almost seemed like a doctor paying a house-call. By close examination of the patient, Paul can prescribe a course of treatment to fix its ails and prolong its healthy life. He knows all the catalogue numbers by heart, all the humble screws and springs.

Several Chesapeake Chapter members own and print using Vandercook presses which are some of the most prized of presses for printing via letterpress.

Above: Paul checking the rollers.

Above: Paul working with the tools that traditional are included with a Vandercook.

The Chesapeake Chapter of APHA would like to extend its thanks to Paul Moxon, Val Lucas of Bowerbox Press, and Joan Boudreau at the Smithsonian for their work in bringing this program to our members.