For the first time, the stories of printers in Ireland have been set down in print and the substrate used for the printing of this fascinating new book is Antalis' Novatech Matt. The book, titled Strange Types & Odd Sorts: A Peek into the World of Print in Ireland, is the result of a collaboration between the National Print Museum, in Dublin, and Fighting Words, a creative writing organisation co-founded by author Roddy Doyle.
For the first time, the stories of printers in Ireland have been set down in print and the substrate used for the printing of this fascinating new book is Antalis' Novatech Matt. The book, titled Strange Types & Odd Sorts: A Peek into the World of Print in Ireland, is the result of a collaboration between the National Print Museum, in Dublin, and Fighting Words, a creative writing organisation co-founded by author Roddy Doyle.
A must-read for printers!
The book features over 40 stories and anecdotes from printers and compositors. They worked with a team of mentors from Fighting Words to document their memories of apprenticeships and working in jobbing houses, newspapers and binderies – a world very different to that of today’s printing houses.
Oral history and video projects have attempted to capture the stories of retired printers and compositors in the past, but, rather ironically, this is the first time their stories have appeared in print. With titles such as ‘Finger Pointing’ and ‘Budget Night Frenzy,’ this collection of stories is sure to prompt memories and conversations among printers, past and present.
Choosing a worthy print substrate
The selection of paper is important for any print job, but for a publication about print, choosing a material worthy of the job was particularly significant. The National Print Museum opted for Novatech Matt because of its bulk and feel. The coating of this two-side coated, wood-free paper results in flawless performance on the press, together with dot excellence. It produces images and pictures that are true to life, vibrant and accurate.
Novatech Matt also offers high opacity and is archival guaranteed for 200+ years, making it the ideal choice for the printing of books.
This important book documents the memories of letterpress printers and compositors from the industry of the second half of the 20th century. In creating a book dedicated to craftspeople, it was only appropriate that we work with some of the best of today's suppliers and printers to produce a beautiful book. We could not be happier with the end result - a true celebration of print past and present.
Carla Marrinan Funder, CEO, National Print Museum
Both text and cover are printed on Novatech Matt:
Text: 170gsm
Cover: 350gsm
Limited edition print
Just 500 copies of this beautifully designed and printed book have been produced by Dublin-based Westside Press, printed on their Komori Lithrone G4OP.
Antalis donated B1 sheets of Pop’Set Pastel Blue (now Olin Colours Baby Blue) for the production of a limited-edition dust jacket. The sheets were printed by Mary Plunket, the museum’s education officer who is also a letterpress printer.
Strange Types & Odd Sorts: A Peek into the World of Print in Ireland was launched at a special event at the National Print Museum on Friday 30 June 2023. Pictured: The team behind the story and Mary Plunket showing a newly printed dust jacket to author Roddy Doyle at the launch event.
Product information
Novatech Matt is part of the Novatech range, exclusively distributed by Antalis. Novatech is recognised for its outstanding printability and productivity. Novatech is a top-quality coated paper solution for both offset (available in gloss and matt) and digital (available in gloss and silk) technologies.
Olin Colours (formerly known as Pop’Set) is a range of 26 mass-dyed colours – ranging from pastels and greys to highly pigmented, vivid colours – with a smooth touch.
