Watch Pressing On: The Letterpress Film

Pressing On: The Letterpress Film is an ode to the art of hand-crafted letterpress printing - a printing technique that was widely used from the 15th century up until the 1960s before digital printing took over. Directed by Andrew P. Quinn, the film tells the story of letterpress printing, exploring its history, its beauty, and its continued relevance today.

The documentary is a love letter to the letterpress and the people who keep it alive. The film takes us on a journey through the history of letterpress printing, from its inception in the 15th century to its heyday in the mid-20th century, and finally to its revival in the 21st century. Along the way, we meet some of the most passionate letterpress printers, historians, and enthusiasts who share their expertise and love for the craft.

The film is divided into chapters that explore different facets of letterpress printing. The first chapter, for instance, takes us to Hatch Show Print in Nashville, Tennessee where we meet master printer Jim Sherraden, who has been printing with letterpress for over 40 years. Hatch Show Print, which was established in 1879, is one of the oldest letterpress print shops in the United States and has retained the original tools and techniques of the craft.

In another chapter, the film introduces us to the Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, which houses the largest collection of wood type in the world. Founder Jim Van Lanen Jr. talks about the history of wood type and how it was used in newspapers, advertisements, and posters in the early 20th century.

The film also features interviews with some of the modern-day letterpress printers who have kept the craft alive. These include Kyle Durrie, who travels across the country in her mobile letterpress truck, and Amos Kennedy Jr., who left his corporate job to start his own letterpress studio in Alabama.

Throughout the film, we see the beautiful and intricate designs that can be created with letterpress printing, from vibrant posters to simple business cards. The process of letterpress printing is shown in detail, from the typesetting to the inking to the actual printing. We even get a glimpse into the challenges of running a letterpress business in the digital age.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is how it shows the juxtaposition of old and new technologies. For example, we see how letterpress printing is now being used alongside digital printing to create unique and personalized designs. We also see how the internet has made it possible for letterpress printers to connect with each other and share their knowledge and techniques.

The film is visually stunning, with close-up shots of the printing presses, the typesetting machines, and the beautiful finished products. The soundtrack, composed by Michael Hearst, is also a highlight - it sets the mood perfectly and enhances the beauty and intricacy of the printing process.

Pressing On: The Letterpress Film is both a celebration of letterpress printing and a call to action to keep the craft alive. It highlights the beauty of the art form and shows how it has evolved over time. But it also emphasizes the importance of preserving the history and techniques of letterpress printing for future generations.

Overall, Pressing On: The Letterpress Film is a must-watch for anyone who loves printing, typography, or design. It is a beautifully crafted documentary that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the art of letterpress printing.

Pressing On: The Letterpress Film is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes.