Overview of The Printer in Residence at the University of Otago
In 2003 the first Printer in Residence (PIR) programme at the University of Otago was initiated to encourage an awareness of the print facilities in the library and to foster book-making both within the University and to the wider arts community. The University Library is fortunate to have three working printing presses: an 1845 Albion, an 1863 Columbian ‘Eagle’ Press, a 1950s Vandercook proofing press, and a recently acquired etching press. The working type is mainly Garamond, supplemented by a large selection of wooden type and newly acquired Gill collection from John McGlashan College. Initially, the PIR enterprise was divided equally between the Library, and English and Design Departments. It is now a stand-alone programme, with strong links maintained with the above departments and others. One or two limited edition publications are planned and printed each year.
Hand-craft printers in the PIR progamme have included: John Denny (Puriri Press, Auckland); Caren Florance (Ampersand Duck, Canberra); Dr John Holmes (Frayed Frisket Press, Dunedin); Rob Lamb (Mirrorcity Press, Oamaru); Alan Loney (Electio Editions, Melbourne); Tara McLeod (Peartree Press, Auckland); Brendan O’Brien (Wellington); and Peter Vangioni, (Kowhai Press, Christchurch).
Artists and printmakers involved in the PIR have included Inge Doesburg, Jenna Packer, Kathyrn Madill, John Mitchell, and David Elliot. Past editions still available can be purchased via the Library Online Shop.