'Cockermouth - Museum of Printing'

102 Main St, Cockermouth, CA13 9LX
Tel: 01900 824984 - Fax: 01900 823124.

Location : Cockermouth
Map - Ordnance Survey - NY 118307

The Printing Museum has a varied and fascinating range of printing presses brought together from all over Britain. The collection is housed in a building dating back to the 16th Century. Walking round the museum takes you on a journey through time, starting with a display describing printing from its 15th Century origins.

You will see a fine collection of historical iron presses. The oldest is the 1820 Cogger Press, one of only three existing - the second in the Science Museum, London, and the third in private hands. The Columbian Press is recognisable by its eagle counterweight to lift the platen back when the pressman has taken the 'pull'. More recent automatic printing machines include the 1929 Heidelberg Platen which automatically feeds and delivers the paper. Many examples of this are still in use today. The automation of typesetting is represented by Linotype equipment from the newspaper industry as shown to the left. This produces lines of type cast from letters which are assembled into a line as they are typed. The lines drop down ready to produce a column of type as in a newspaper. These were in use until recently when they were replaced by computer technology.

The museum aims to cater for all tastes; the large, varied and ever-changing displays will appeal to all ages. Outside in the courtyard, a display of Cumbrian shops is being created - a chemists shop and a General Store packed with goods from yesteryear.

The Columbian Press of 1853, and next to it a smaller and less elaborate Grieg machine.