MINE.
Oh. My. God.
I own a press. The 92 lb. 8 oz. Kelsey Excelsior 6×10 is mine. All mine! And not just the press, but type. Fifteen cases of type! And 3 zinc cuts, one which happens to be of a beautiful owl. It also came with everything else I need to start shop (minus a few things I need to upgrade or replace). It belonged to a man who printed business cards and memo pads in his shop he had with his wife and her jewelry in Florida. They somehow ended up in West Valley, UT and when he passed on, the wife no longer wanted to horde everything. I could tell it was bittersweet selling it, but I assured her it is going to get a lot of love.
Before I start printing I want to take the whole thing apart and restore it. It’s about a 2 month process to strip all the paint and repaint it. It came with one brand new roller so all I need to do is order one when I can afford it. My dad and I might rebuild a more customizable cabinet so I don’t punch the wall when I do a pull. And I definitely am going to need more shelf space. I’m really antsy to start printing but I know I need to be patient and give it the time and attention it deserves!
And to all my printmaking family: Would any of you be interested in having a workshop since USU doesn’t teach letterpress? It wouldn’t be for a few months…or more. But it would be just a sweet taste into the world I have fallen in love with and an excuse to all get together again. Oh and Adrienne, even though you have exposure to letterpress already, I will buy you a meal from Hires. C’mon. I miss everyone…
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