What’s old is new

Chrissy Poitras and Kyle Topping present their letterpress at Sparkbox Studios
outside Picton.

Sparkbox unveils hand operated letterpress

While much of the world rushes headlong toward a digital future—one in which even complex components and functions have been reduced to the high speed electronic transmission of a series of ones and zeros—artists Chrissy Poitras and Kyle Topping are investing in a printing technology that traces its origins back five centuries— a technology not so far removed from Gutenberg’s original creation.

On Saturday the principals of Sparkbox unveiled their newly acquired letterpress at their studio north of Picton.

When the world is rushing in one direction, opportunities are being created in the other direction according to Kyle Topping.

“Look at digital photography or digital music,” said Topping. “There is a segment of the population that will always want the warmth and imperfection that comes from analogue methods. This is no different.”

The Vandercook SP 15 (simple precision) is a small non-motorized press designed for small-run, small-format printing commonly used for flyers, playbills or invitations.

Kyle and Chrissy intend to explore more creative and artistic paths with their new letterpress— illustrations, block engraving and printmaking, but will expect to take on more traditional assignments along the way.

Kyle and Chrissy acquired the letterpress earlier this summer— after first learning how to move the nearly half-ton device— from Margaret Lock of Lock Press from Kingston. Margaret and her husband Fred published medieval to 18th century literary texts combined with original illustration. The result is exquisite and rare works of literature and art.

Poitras and Topping learned that Lock was moving to England, and the letterpress was available. They announced their intention to buy the press, but needed time to raise the money. Lock was amenable. She wanted it to go to a good home. But she had other offers—ones that would pay cash and take it away. She gave the young artists two months to come up with a third of the purchase price. Otherwise, she would have to sell someone else.

The Sparkbox pair, not entirely averse to cutting edge trends turned to crowdsourcing to help raise the funds for the press. When the deadline arrived Kyle and Chrissy had raised well more than half the purchase price and were on their way.

Using the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo.com the pair raised a total of $6,583— 110 per cent of their goal of $6,000—from more than 100 contributors. It was enough to buy the press and little bit more for supplies and typed sets.

Sparkbox opened its doors this past weekend to friends, family and the curious—in part to say thank you and, in part to showcase the unique and enchanting work that can only be created in this traditional way.