The first and only printing museum in Pretoria was officially opened on 8 November. Gary van Dyk, who is in charge of the museum and Managing Director of Zero Plus Printers, started his collection with a few book clamps a few years ago and over time, the rich history of printing increasingly grabbed his attention.
The museum holds pieces of equipment from as far back as 1750. Other presses include a Columbian press which dates back from 1853 and an Albion press from 1880. Both were the first iron presses built after Johannes Gutenbergs wooden press era. Van Dyk has also collected 200 year old pieces from the Wits University binding department; copy presses; a Cropper from the Head Post Office Printing Works; a line cast machine from 1923; a Harrild and Sons book press and hand iron presses, of which there are very few on display in South African museums.
We are proud of what we have achieved in a short period of time and what we have collected up to now. We are preserving some history of a trade that has virtually been taken over by the modern digital age that we live in and we are getting young people interested in our trade for the future.
The Printing Museum is located at OppiPlaas, on the corner of Codonia and Terblanche Street in Villieria. The Gautrain bus from Hatfield Station stops right outside the venue. Show your support of this worthy industry innitiative by visiting the Print Museum.
