And what a great name that is! I had never heard of a Lightning Jobber until a month or so ago,when on a random interweb wander I found myself looking at the Letterpress Classifieds at Australia New Zealand Printmakers...my first ever visit to their site.
My breath was taken away when I saw they had a press for sale. This may not be very exciting to those in the US where letterpress presses are all over, and in the UK and Europe where there are also probably many; but here in Australia we just don't have a lot. We seemed to toss them out when they were done with; and we didn't have many to begin!
So... I took the plunge and approached the fellow who was selling, and after much convolution and stress (organising to move a very very heavy 1897 press from Melbourne to Maleny is no task for the faint-hearted) my Lightning Jobber has arrived.
The box of tricks that accompanied it - I will have fun familiarising myself with them all!
On one of our recent quick trips to Melbourne we had about 15 minutes to visit the fellow and see the press before rushing off to a meeting. Here it was in its garage home in Melbourne.
And here it is in its new studio home in Maleny - I think it looks like it belongs.
I have occasionally mentioned my love of letterpress and dreams of owning such a press, here on my blog, and I can hardly believe I've made a start! I don't know when I'll get a moment to spend time playing, but it is wonderful to think about all of the opportunities that now lie ahead. Big happy sigh.
My breath was taken away when I saw they had a press for sale. This may not be very exciting to those in the US where letterpress presses are all over, and in the UK and Europe where there are also probably many; but here in Australia we just don't have a lot. We seemed to toss them out when they were done with; and we didn't have many to begin!
So... I took the plunge and approached the fellow who was selling, and after much convolution and stress (organising to move a very very heavy 1897 press from Melbourne to Maleny is no task for the faint-hearted) my Lightning Jobber has arrived.
The box of tricks that accompanied it - I will have fun familiarising myself with them all!
On one of our recent quick trips to Melbourne we had about 15 minutes to visit the fellow and see the press before rushing off to a meeting. Here it was in its garage home in Melbourne.
And here it is in its new studio home in Maleny - I think it looks like it belongs.
What a wonderful looking thing! It'll be fascinating to see where it takes you.
ReplyDeleteIt is an absolute marvel Charlton - I think we will be good friends!
DeleteHappy dance happening over here for you! What a find! The press does indeed look right at home in your studio. Have you tried it out yet???
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the happy dance! I have spent this afternoon washing all the bibs and bobs that came with it; over the weekend I hope to clean the press a wee bit - maybe, just maybe, I'll get to play next week sometime...
DeleteIt's found a happy home, and you'll surely enjoy using it!
ReplyDeleteIt has indeed found a very happy home - I have so much to learn but am sure i will enjoy it!
DeleteLucky girl.
ReplyDeleteI am feeling exactly that Penny - thanks!
DeleteThis is so exciting!!!
ReplyDeleteYou can probably feel my excitement from here Gwen! It is an absolute delight and honour to own this beautiful press, and I am so looking forward to spending a lot of time with it. Go well.
DeleteI have a very bad case of press envy. Looking forward to seeing it in use
ReplyDeleteOh Jac, I hope I can do the press justice - your prints are always so amazing. I am enjoying making friends with it, chatting with it, looking at it with awe and wonder...
DeleteCongratulations - how lucky you were to find this! It's just beautiful, I'm jealous, and I know you'll have many years of fun ahead...
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharmon, I feel so very fortunate to have become the press's owner - it is such beautiful piece of art and work, and I am really looking forward to all we can do together.
DeleteGreat find! I expect it to be party to amazing images.
ReplyDeleteExtraordinary find Jo! I was thrilled to bits and am still somewhat amazed that it is now sitting here in Maleny...will definitely besharign anything I manage to achieve!
DeleteOh well done! have fun.
ReplyDeleteSandy in the UK
Thank you so much Sandy - and I will! Go well.
Deletethat's like finding a needle in a haystack! you'll have to let us all know how things go --- this looks a similar size platen to my C&P but perhaps is smaller overall? (the C&P is a huge beast) --- I noticed caren recently snaffled a lovely albion (causing major press envy for all!)
ReplyDeleteanyhoo --- welcome to the wonderful world of letterpress - I have no doubt that faster than you can say 'pass me that chase' you'll be printing like an expert (and I'll come to you for advice!)
That's exactly what it was like Ronnie! I have spent this afternoon cleaning the bibs and bbs (technical term) - tomorrow its on to the Press itself I hope. It weighs in at a hefty 200kg or so, but its footprint may well be smaller than the C&P - part of its attraction I must admit given the studio was already full! Looking forward to all the wonders of the world with it, enjoy your printing too!
DeleteHow lovely for you! Fun days ahead!
ReplyDeleteIt feel absolutely fabulous I must say Amanda! I still wander past with a big grin on my face, feeling ever so special and lucky to have it in the studio. Fun days ahead indeed! Go well.
DeleteHow wonderful! I can imagine many happy hours ahead of you. I can't think of a better person to get this wonderful press.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol - it is absolutely gorgeous and I am loving have it as part of my life, and am really looking forward to all that we might do together. I think we will be fine friends...go well (see you next weekend maybe???)
DeleteWhat an odd name... Lightening Jobber.. LOVE it! And how wonderful for you to find one of your dreams come true.. to own a letter press. I have lots of those letters but no press... so I envy you.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with yours...
It is a great name isn't it Donna!?!? I hope i can do it justice, I think we'll be together for quite a while...I love your letters and just saw your assemblages - beautiful.
Deletewow WOW you DID it! YAY! may you have a long and fruitful relationship!
ReplyDeleteOh thanks V - it felt like an amazingly exciting YAY! I will go gently and slowly and hopefully develop some skills an deb able to use it for beautiful things...go well.
Deletewhat a treasure!
ReplyDeleteLike gold Mo! I just love it.
DeleteLove at first sight! No wonder you are excited Fiona! It's going to be interesting watching you find your feet .... er.. treadle foot.
ReplyDelete