Albion printing press
Object No. 95/223/29
F.T. Wimble & Co produced the first printing ink in the Southern hemisphere (Melbourne, 1868). The company also operated a type founding and electrotyping business and was the Australian representative of many overseas manufacturers of printing machinery and accessories. Frederick Thomas Wimble (1846-1936) was the son of Benjamin Wimble of Cambridge, England, and grandson of Thomas Wimble of London. The family had pioneered the making of printing ink since 1768. Wimble?s ink was considered the standard ink of England and was exclusively used by many major printing houses, including Cambridge University Press. Benjamin Wimble introduced coloured inks to England and was one of the most influential men in the printing ink industry. Frederick Wimble emigrated to Australia for his health, landing in Melbourne, Victoria aboard the Anglesey on 29 July 1867. He brought with him lithographic materials, dry colours, bronzes, varnishes and a big consignment of printing inks selected by his father. He investigated the current printing trade in the colony and concluded that selling imported inks would not be profitable and manufacturing printing inks locally would be the only way to make money from this line. Wimble immediately sent home to his father for the materials to create a small printing ink plant consisting of an ink mill, a steam engine and other objects. In 1868 Wimble used his ink mill to make a royal blue ink that was used to print Victoria's first newspaper, the Evening Star. The paper Wimble used was manufactured by Ramsden Paper Mills, on the banks of the Yarra River in Melbourne, and was the first paper manufactured in Australia. From these beginnings, F.T. Wimble & Co grew to be a dominant force in the Australian printing industry for the next 100 years. Powerhouse has a significant collection of Wimble's printing equipment from 1868-1994, including printing presses and an extensive archive. Erika Dicker, Assistant Curator, 2007 References The evolution of printing ink: jubilee souvenir of Wimble's, Ltd. Sydney and Melbourne May 1918. (Booklet) (95/223/1-22/6) F.T. Wimble & Co. Limited 120th anniversary, 1987 (Brochure) (95/223/1-22/46) Wimble, F.T. Climbing the ladder: being the life story of Fred T. Wimble. Sydney, The Bookman Press, 1924 (95/223/1-22/14) Wimble's centenary 1967. Reprint of September issue of Australasian Printer, 1967 (95/223/1-22/23)
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Summary
Object Statement
Printing press, Albion, no. 3929, metal / wood, made by Hopkinson & Cope, England, 1860, used by F T Wimble & Co, Australia, 1866
Physical Description
Hand-operated printing press made from iron and featuring varnished wooden handles. The press is painted black with gold, red and blue detail. The legs of the press are shaped and painted to resemble animal feet. The maker's name and place of manufacture is embossed on the metal above the plate. The printer's name is engraved on a small gold plaque, also positioned above the plate. The press uses a toggle for leverage and employs a spring to raise the platen. The printing press sits on an original grey-painted timber stand.
DIMENSIONS
Height
1620 mm
Width
630 mm
Depth
1020 mm
HISTORY
Notes
The form to be printed is placed on the bed, inked by hand and paper and tympan cover placed over it. Pressure is then applied by a lever and the image printed. Used by Bob Jeffrey, Gladesville
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Mr H Wallace, FT Wimble & Co
Acquisition Date
15 August 1995
Copyright for the above image is held by the Powerhouse and may be subject to third-party copyright restrictions. Please submit an Image Licensing Enquiry for information regarding reproduction, copyright and fees. Text is released under Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivative licence.
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