Skip to main content

Historic Book Arts Projects, blueprints for Wood Platen Press,, 1985

 File — Item: 11

Scope and Content

From the Collection: The collection contains administrative and educational program records and production materials of the Palace print shop, from 1974 to 1997. Administrative records consist of correspondence, financial materials, and examples of shop sales and mail orders. Educational program include an annual book arts festival, exhibits, lectures, and printing workshops. Production materials for printing chiefly consist of samples; for projects initiated by the Press, the materials include manuscripts, original illustrations, galleys and dummies reflecting the development of its fine quality, limited edition publications.

While some early materials were printed by Peter Wells, the first museum preparator of the print shop, the collection in its entirety reflects the growth of the print shop under Pamela Smith, Master Printer. As of 1996, the Print Shop equipment included a Ramage Press (1820), Washington Hand Press (1835), a treadle-operated Chandler & Price Platen Press (1899), and a Kelsey Star Platen Press (1890); over two hundred metal type fonts; and book binding equipment represents that used in the publishing trade of nineteenth century New Mexico, and is used for the typesetting, printing and binding of print shop publications.

The works produce by the print shop also document Smith's career development and the renaissance of the book arts in New Mexico. While early project work centered primarily on reprints of territorial publications, postcards and stationary, by the 1980s Smith was producing such award-winning books as Tales of the Mountain Menand Historic Book Arts Projects. As her own printing and marbling skills evolved, Smith was instrumental in encouraging the local growth of these and other fine book crafts. She sponsored lectures, demonstrations and workshops by nationally prominent artisans and writers such as Hedi Kyle, Sukey Hughes, David Godine, Paul Horgan and Lawrence Clark Powell, who provided insight into everything from papermaking, bookbinding and publishing to writing and the literary scene of the Southwest. In addition, Smith held an annual book arts festival from 1980 to 1985, drawing demonstrators and participants from across the country. The print shop has also served as a training ground for aspiring printers and binders through internships, employment and project works

Dates

  • 1985

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English.

Access Restrictions

None

Extent

From the Collection: 22 Linear Feet

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the Fray Angélico Chávez History Library Repository

Contact:
Fray Angélico Chávez History Library
New Mexico History Museum
113 Lincoln Ave
Sante Fe NM 87501 USA
(505) 476-5090