The perfect example of what happens when the stars align and everything works. Originally a small, dark print shop with one small platen machine, the Davenport Press was inaugurated in 1967 and moved through several locations. It produced a number of extraordinary printers over the years, whose work was as much a testament to dogged perseverance, as it was a reflection of elegant design. Davenport College has, without question, seen the most dramatic change since the Pierson and JE presses were overhauled some thirty years ago. Davenport in 2001 is blessed with an activist Master who sees the press as an important, integral part of the college life; a Fellow who is himself an avid letterpress printer and a mentor to the students; a graduating senior who has undertaken the revitalization of a dormant press; and an equally enthusiastic underclassman who is taking over the press operations next year. With three platen presses housed in a clean, well-organized shop, this is a poster-child for what the undergraduate presses should be.

Update

Davenport has seen the biggest turnaround during the past few years, as students James Bickford and Matthew Underwood leveraged the talents, enthusiasm and unbridled energy of Davenport Fellow Raleigh D'Adamo to revitalize the D'port Press, bring in new machines and type, and work with both former Master Thomas and current Master Shottenfeld (both of who have been extremely supportive) to make mechanical and electrical repairs to the shop. This fall we are replacing all of the decrepit type racks with new Hamilton steel cabinets and cases, and are bringing in a large, gorgeous imposing stone/galley rack to support the three platen presses and the Vandercook. We'll also bring over a nice drying rack for their finishing area, and Greg Timko will tune up all the presses, and replace some missing parts.