Cornwall in Print

This exhibition explores Cornwall’s historic letterpress printing industry, including stories about its community of printers. Discover what letterpress is, why its invention was so far reaching and why it is such an important part of our history.

Read about the origins of letterpress, how type was made and view examples of metal and wooden type, the tools used by printers, and the minerals from Cornish mines, used to make type.

Learn why it can be difficult to trace early printers in Cornwall and see examples of surviving works. Uncover the stories of the Cornish newspapers and the role of female printers who kept Cornwall’s presses running.

Explore the changes to the industry in the 19th and 20th centuries, and its relationship with, and impact on, other industries in Cornwall. Browse books in our library which are being printed in Cornwall today and learn about the resurgence of an at-risk heritage craft.

The exhibition is free to see and is available during our usual opening hours. Look out for our linked programme of events and activities.

Cornwall in Print image montage with images of Cornish printers in Cornwall, and examples of letter type used to print.

You may also like the following events from Archives and Cornish Studies Service:

• Next Thursday, 12th February, 10:00 am, Behind-the-scenes tour of Kresen Kernow in Redruth
• This month, 18th February, 10:00 am, Introduction to letterpress – February half-term at KK in Redruth
• Next month, 3rd March, 09:30 am, Cornwall in Print in Redruth

Also check out other Exhibitions in Redruth.