Object Record
Metadata
Accession number |
09.30 |
Date |
facsimile of 1450 |
Notes |
The press was built by Joe Hellstern, Gentry, Arkansas. It required 400 hours of expert craftsmanship. It is constructed of oak, with a maple screw and tap which provides the "power" for the press. The design was produced by Mr. Richard Hicks of Albuquerque, New Mexico perhaps 30 years ago. After a great deal of research and travel to Europe, he submitted his plans to the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, Germany. Their letter back to him was that his plans were more accurate to what Gutenberg would have used than their press in the Gutenberg Museum! (Theirs has some metal parts.) Mr. Hicks was too old in 1995 to build our press, and so, Dr. Hellstern's brother-retired from the insurance business-agreed to do the work. (Other estimates to build a 15th century style press were $30,000.00 and above, and with a design of which I did not approve.) The demonstration of the Gutenberg Press, along with some of the facts of his work and how printing both fostered the Renaissance and fueled the Reformation, has greatly inspired thousands of persons since the exhibits. Set of old Ink Balls, oak holder for the paper, ink roller and stand, other press equipment: This includes 12 pounds of lead type (listed in the Hellstern collection), as examples of Gothic-style type. 2,000 pages of 70 pd., 12 by 18 inches, cream colored paper sheets for printing. (A special size has to be cut/ordered for this use.) Gutenberg costume: A "Patrician's robe and hat" was made for special demonstrations of the Gutenberg Press in Branson, Missouri. This adds some drama to demonstrations, especially to children's groups, but it is really enjoyed by all! (Many questions are always focused out of this live demonstration.) Many persons who have been in the printing business have come to see just the press and the demonstration. 8 Holders for large Bible pages, constructed of solid oak: As you cannot purchase conventional trays that are large enough to exhibit pages printed on the Gutenberg press and other Bible pages for sale, these were constructed as well by Mr. Joe Hellstern. These trays are each 13 by 19 inches, in units of four. |
Collection |
Living Word National Bible Museum |