From about 1820 onwards the traditional wooden printing press began to give way to iron presses which could increase productivity by printing bigger sheets. Perhaps the best known of these is the ‘Columbian’, invented by the American George Clymer (1754-1834). The ornate press, with its heavy lever mechanism, first appeared in 1813. By 1817 Clymer was in London, and in 1830 he went into partnership there with Samuel Dixon. The press seen here was made by Clymer and Dixon at their Finsbury Street works.

Picture Reference: 10234155
Subject: ENTERTAINMENT & MEDIA > Printing & Writing > Handpresses
Inventory No.: 1948-0299
Credit: Science Museum

Keywords: 1780-1818, 1800s, 19th Century, Clymer, Clymer And Dixon, Communication, Columbian, Communicating, Dixon, Europe, Handpresses, Industrial Revolution, Letterpress, Mass Media, Media, Press, Presses, Printing, Printing Equipment, Publishing, Uk, United Kingdom

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