Book II of the series begins production this Spring!

   The Red Onion Press in collaboration with the Kennesaw State University’s School of Art and Design has completed the hand printing of a limited edition of Beowulf, the first of six Classics of English Literature from a series of original woodblocks by the late artist, Bronislaw Bak.  These works of art, lost for over 50 years were recovered several years ago in remarkable condition.  The 180 illustrations for six filmstrips produced for Encyclopedia Britannica's Filmstrip Division had been the product of a two year-long commission in 1964 by the late artist, Bronislaw Bak.  Each of the 50 hand bound folios will be available for sale for $500 at completion of each edition, and reservations will be accepted for the complete series, expected to be completed by 2027 or earlier.

Red Onion Press Restoration Project AT Kennesaw State University Enters 4th year

The Red Onion restoration of a significant collection of historic printing equipment donated to the University now includes seven floor standing presses, both platen and earlier iron handpress style machines as well as some 20 table top presses of a variety of makes and vintages.

This restoration of a very rare and significant iron press originally designed in 1813 by a Philadelphia mechanic and inventor, George E. Clymer. The Columbian Press has the distinction of being cast with rather distinctive imagery, including dragons, and an eagle counterweight. It was designed to print a full newspaper page and applied pressure via a steel lever system. Many of the design elements of the Columbian press were carried over to other steel hand presses well into the early 20th Century. Clymer later moved to England where he continued to manufacture the press. Our particular model is an 1880 version also manufactured in England.

our Newest additions are related!

This 7 x 11 Golding Pearl press is a 1870’s era “old style” platen press. Both of these presses as are all the floor model platen presses are treadle operated. One distinctive feature is the lack of any throw-out lever. Every press cycle is a print cycle, so make sure you either remove the chase when setting up or have paper loaded on the platen!

Ready for the outdoor classroom

Our converted pre-civil war 350 lb bindery press is a mobile letterpress on wheels, that can be taken on the road and used for hands-on printing demonstrations at schools and art centers in the area! This press, modeled after the hand presses used since the invention of movable type demonstrate the basic principles and origins of publishing.

Shown here in one of our members workshop, the press is equipped with large casters, and a sliding base with all the hardware that was used to print books, posters and newspapers 200 years ago. Built around a Hickok book bindery press, it is similar to one in the American Book Bindery Museum in San Francisco. Contact the Red Onion Press if your school, Art Center or Organization would like to book a session. The demonstration will involve hands-on printmaking and typesetting.

Repairs and Restoration

Since our founding in 2014, the Red Onion Press has been restoring antique printing equipment and other historic machinery, of which several are preserved as part of the cultural heritage of the community. It started in 2017 when members of the Red Onion Press excavated an abandoned 1911 Chandler and Price letterpress in Acworth, Georgia and restored it. Today that press is still in operation with the original motor, belt and clutch.

This press was manufactured in the same time period as it’s bigger sister. We in the shop referred to her affectionately as Mini-Pearl, however she was already quite an antique when her namesake was strutting on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry! The Mini’s feed table only stands about 4 feet high off the floor.

Restored Platen press on permanent display on the grounds at the North Cobb Public Library