Exhibition

Introduced in the islands in 1829, letterpress — despite all technological advances — comes alive to the present day, whether in the old print shops that still use it, or in a current approach, reinvented from a contemporary perspective, by designers and graphic artists who were attracted by the unique expressive characteristics of the old gutenbergian technique.  In this core, an overview of the letterpress made in the Islands to the present day was shown. 

From titles of the azorean press to various graphic pieces, including labels, a local tradition par excellence, from the Gorreana tea factory to the Maia tobacco factory, among others, also presenting some original printing plates. In addition to this historical material printed here, utensils and letterpress equipment from several São Miguel print shops were exhibited, including a small Minerva table top press that could be used by the public.  Along with the old prints, it was possible to find some contemporary approaches to the same pieces, sometimes using the letterpress material used in the old ones a few decades ago. This highlighted the diversity of approaches allowed by letterpress and its ability to adapt to different times and aesthetic currents.  

At the same time, this core intended to be a tribute to all the printers who worked and continue to work in the Azores Islands, also seeking to raise awareness and contribute to the promotion and preservation of equipment, materials and the knowledge of these masters, who are material and immaterial azorean heritage.