The Story Continues: M. M. Keltons’s Son. Engraving Proofing Presses

 

Previously posted on this blog has been the story of the engraving proofing presses. Since that time they were completely dismantled, steam-cleaned and the individual parts and fittings sand blasted. The parts were immediately “oiled” with silicone to prevent rusting in the extreme, south Louisiana humidity, the frame and screw handle with inertia-weight—that looks like a dumbell with a big steel ball on each end—were coated with a primer then painted. It was so humid the primer wouldn’t dry so we had to leave them up in Alexandria, LA, until dry.

My husband brought them home yesterday and—with our 2-ton shop crane, dolly, ramps and brute force—into the cool, humidity controlled studio where he is polishing the brass fittings.

Daniela Marx, head of graphic design at Loyola University New Orleans, was here yesterday for an AIGA New Orleans board meeting and I treated her to a sneak peak at some of the spiffed-up parts (like the massive steel screw that attaches to the handle).

According to “Engraved Stationery Handbook”, Robert N.Steffens published by The Cronite Co., Inc., New York City, 1950, “This type of press was developed years ago” and “is rarely used any longer. It was designed to stamp the 1/2” thick engraving dies we use creating social stationery.

Note the name and how similar it is to Kelsey and Kelton, both manufactures I have seen for small letterpress presses.

The Cronite book is the only reference I have yet found to this type of press, if anyone knows more about them, please share.

Previously posted on this blog has been the story of the engraving proofing presses.

Since that time they were completely dismantled, steam-cleaned and the individual parts and fittings sand blasted. The parts were immediately “oiled” with silicone to prevent rusting in the extreme, south Louisiana humidity, the frame and screw handle with inertia-weight—that looks like a dumbell with a big steel ball on each end—were coated with a primer then painted. It was so humid the primer wouldn’t dry so we had to leave them up in Alexandria, LA, until dry.

My husband brought them home yesterday and—with our 2-ton shop crane, dolly, ramps and brute force—into the cool, humidity controlled studio where he is polishing the brass fittings.

Daniela Marx, head of graphic design at Loyola University New Orleans, was here yesterday for an AIGA New Orleans board meeting and I treated her to a sneak peak at some of the spiffed-up parts (like the massive steel screw that attaches to the handle).

According to “Engraved Stationery Handbook”, Robert N.Steffens published by The Cronite Co., Inc., New York City, 1950, “This type of press was developed years ago” and “is rarely used any longer. It was designed to stamp the 1/2” thick engraving dies we use creating social stationery.

Note the name and how similar it is to Kelsey and Kelton, both manufactures I have seen for small letterpress presses.

The Cronite book is the only reference I have yet found to this type of press, if anyone knows more about them, please share.

http://typophile.com/node/59459

History of Romantic Letters at TypeCon 2009

The History of Romantic Letters at TypeCon 2009

THURSDAY, JULY 16
2:00 pm-5:30 pm

Presented by Nancy Sharon Collins (Collins LLC/Loyola University/AIGA New Orleans)

Location: Portfolio Center, Atlanta
Cost: $50 + $10 materials fee
Ever wonder about engraving? What is it? Where does it come from? Why does it look that way? What’s a monogram? How does engraving factor into the history and function of type?

The only way to truly appreciate engraving is to try it yourself—come experience the “cut” by which engraved letterforms are made—everyone in this workshop will be encouraged to try their hand with a “graver” (or “burin”), the real tools of this elegant, virtually forgotten trade.

Specimens of vintage monograms, lettering styles and engraving will be displayed. Using simple tools such as graphite pencil and various sorts of erasers, attendees will trace, combine, retrace existing forms and learn to make new symbols, letters and forms with these historic pieces of inspiration.

http://www.typecon.com/calendar.php?category=Workshops

Readable Text, New Orleans Style at TypeCon 2009

http://www.typecon.com/calendar.php

SUNDAY, JULY 19

12:00 noon, Type in 20

TypeCon 2009, Atlanta

Nancy Sharon Collins talks about FLOOD BOOK and notions of readable text. Audrey Bennett and Ellen Lupton are cited.

In 2005 Audrey Bennett spoke on this topic at Typecon in Boston, she and I have exchanged emails about this, infrequently, ever since.  I was interested in her talk because I was then teaching graphic design and typography at a university literally down the bayou in south Louisiana where illiteracy rates soar.  Recently at an AIGA leadership retreat in  Portland, OR, I ran into Audrey who I had not seen since Boston.  I was very excited to show her a book I designed and was amazed to discover that she had just purchased a copy.

FLOOD BOOK, * as it is named, is a post-Katrina rant—or repetitive chant—with rhyming verse written in Yat which is a local, New Orleanian dialect. Its a little book, the size of a short novella, with compelling illustrations and simple, classical type.  I wanted Audrey to see it because it became a sell out as a tool for teaching reading to those with severe literacy challenges.   Why had she picked-up the book and what was it that inspired her to buy it?  In this presentation I will talk about the typographic and design choices in the FLOOD BOOK project, the coincidence with Audrey and how Dr. Caroline Musselwhite, assistive technology specialist working in the areas of AAC and literacy, found the book useful in her workshops.

* FLOOD BOOK will be on sale at the SOTA book store.

Engraving Proofing Presses Go for a Make Over

The two engraving proofing presses previously written about (here) are going up to Alexandria, LA for a beauty makeover.

While John (hubby) and Ken (friend) work on the presses tomorrow in Ken’s shop, I will be going back over to James Gabour’s printing facility in Pineville.  Meeting us there will be the new archivist from the LSU AgCenter in Alexandria.
James senior may have to close the plant and— as much as possible—I (we) want to help preserve as much of the contents and printing history in his shop.

The AgCenter can only take records (paper), no ephemera, no equipment and there is plenty of everything.  Loyola University New Orleans graphic design department is interested in taking some, VERNA, a local letter press shop  will probably take the letter press equipment and types, there loads of wood type as well.  Jeff Pulaski, graphic design professor up in Witchita, may also help with the dispensation of the rest.  Here are links to the good folk who are helping:

http://cmfa.loyno.edu/faculty/daniela-marx
http://www.1dayofart.com/content/tag/daniela-marx/
http://vernapress.com/peter.html

http://www.outofsortspress.com

http://typophile.com/blog/14410

Nancy Sharon Collins on Martha Stewart Wedding Blog!

Monograms and hand engraving by Nancy Sharon Collins, Stationer, on Darcy Miller—Martha Stewart Wedding editor’s—blog. See samples and get the 25% Discount now through the end of June.

stationery-and-nancy-sharon-collins.html#more

Nancy’s Website

25% OFF on Real, Bespoke Hand Engraved Social Stationery

In deference to this difficult economy, the eponymous Nancy Sharon Collins, Stationer will take 25% OFF any order made between June 1 – 30, 2009.  For more information, and how to place an order, contact Mrs. Collins directly, nscstationer@earthlink.net.  And visit her website:

http://www.nancysharoncollinsstationer.com/hand.php

Get That Job (hand-write a note to prospective boss)

The best way to snag that new job is to HAND WRITE a personal note (brief) and send it through the mail (yes, snail mail—USPS).  This is in addition to following-up immediately with a brief email once you have forwarded your resume/CV and or had that all-crucial interview.

Another trick is to do your research, target for whom you want to work, write a letter and send IT through the mail.

This stuff really works, over 30 years I have maintained a consistent, successfull track record for getting in the front door of almost anywhere by finding the right person’s name (make sure to get the correct spelling) and title, then drafting a letter, signing it and send it via the post office.  Wait  ten days or so then pick up the phone.  I get into 1/5th of the places to which I send real mail.  This is a hell of a lot better results than any e-generated initiatives.

Also…get the 20% introductory special on REAL engraved monogram and notes.  (These are about 2/3 the price of any other real engraved stationery!)

www.petitesuite.wordpress.com

Not sure about how to write that letter or note?  There’s loads of on-line help.  When in doubt, check-out an etiquette expert, too.

When Old is Just Obsolete—or—This is Not Sustainable

Virtually on Christmas Eve, 2008, yet another commercial engraving house bites the dust.

Sad for nostalgic reasons but (in reality) much better dead than in the red.  Although I have personally worked with these folks for more than thirty years (yes, 30) and with them made exquisite specimens of engraved types, what they did—how they conducted business—is a crime and shame.  No wonder manufacturing in this country is in such deep and ugly trouble.

Business can be a sorry business, read it here:

http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2008/12/new_havens_lehm.php

and here.

http://newhavenindependent.org/archives/2009/01/displaced_worke.php

Read more about engraving, here:

http://typophile.com/blog/14410

and here:

www.nancysharoncollinsstationer.com

Dead White Male Author Reading List

Not everyone was born after 1979, unfortunately.  But learning from twenty-somethings is fun and very productive.  Sometimes its possible to offer back information from the arcane side of life experience, such as, the list of “Dead White Male Authors”.  See it posted on Typophile:

Dead White Male Authors.

New Engraved Monogram, Affordable Too!

Ever wondered about engraved stationery?

Ever wanted to try some but not quite ready to take the plunge?

We’ve designed an easy, pocket book-friendly edition of lovely photo-engraved monograms so you can have your own custom, engraved mark. Each monogram is engraved onto an authentic copper plate—it will be sent with your order or we will be happy to archive it for your future use. The monogram is then engraved by hand onto our signature, fold-over notes.

Each edition comes with one engraved monogram, 50 cards and matching envelopes. Choose from six lovely colors of ink and 16 unique monogram styles!

While we remain thoroughly committed to hand engraving—its practice and preservation—recently we’ve become aware that some of our newer clients might like less expensive access to the exclusive world of bespoke letter papers. Therefore, we are pleased to introduce our new line of engraved monograms and notes.   For more information Petite Suite.  Or email us directly:

nancy1@nancysharoncollinsstationer.com