Letterpress printing is the process of printing directly from inked type or engravings onto paper. This process has been in existence for hundreds of years and up until the 1950s was the main way that everything was printed.

The letterpress process requires the manual selection of type, or engravings to make a job to be printed. The type or engravings can be made of lead, brass, or even wood. The type is laid out in a mirror-image of what will be printed, and locked into a frame called a "chase". After the chase is loaded into the press and the type is inked, the form is pressed onto the paper. The printed page is now complete.

After World War II offset lithography quickly replaced letterpress printing and for many years letterpress printers either went out of business or switched to offset, and digital printing to compete in the commercial market.

However, in recent years it has become very fashionable to have invitations, cards, announcements and posters printed by the letterpress, with heavy impressions that give a tactile feel to the printed work with almost an embossing effect. (Several years ago Martha Stewart in her wedding planning book showed letterpress printed invitations and this gave the dying art of letterpress a major boost.)

Letter Press Samples

John Rountree first started printing using letterpress in 1952 with a small 5 x 8 Kelsey press. Since then, he has always had one or more letterpress printing machines, and has also collected over 500 fonts of handset type and 700 fonts of Ludlow type.

At the 135th reenactment of the Battle of Antietam, John along with the Stan Nelson of the Smithsonian, set up and operated the Army of the Potomac Printing Department. Using a Civil War Army press, they produced several different documents during the four-day reenactment. This was the first time that this interpretation was ever done at a Civil War reenactment.

Printing at of The Battle of Antietam Reenactment

John currently produces cards, invitations, announcements and posters on a very limited basis. These specialized printed pieces are completed in the manner and style of printing that was done during the Civil War or Victorian era.

All our work is done on a custom basis, so if you are looking for that special look, we will work with you to create a unique and interesting printed document that will deliver your message with style.

John Rountree
PO Box 363, Maplewood, NJ 07040
(973) 762-0090
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