temporary exhibition

Gutenberg is credited with having invented the first printing press in the 15th century, and since that time the printing press has gone through various changes in its design and functions. While presenting the four principal elements of printing-paper, plates, ink, and pressure-the present exhibit focuses especially on printing presses that apply the pressure which makes the art of printing possible. It is said that Gutenberg was inspired to create his printing press after observing a wine press, and his invention was used, virtually unchanged, for nearly 350 years. Then the all-iron Stanhope press appeared, rendering Gutenberg's version obsolete and marking the dawn of the industrial revolution in printing.