THE LEE Medlyn Home of Bottles will take visitors through the history of printing at the upcoming annual Clunes Booktown Festival.
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As the township prepares to transform into a 'Booktown', resident John Sayers is collating a history of how words were first put into print to allow visitors to gain an understanding of the history of the books they purchase at the festival.
A former book designer, Mr Sayers said the exhibition would take visitors on a journey through the history of how words were first translated into print, from early ink pens and calligraphy to woodblock printings and engravings, right through to movable type and rotary presses.
"We are mounting the exhibition because Booktown concentrates on the selling of books so we are trying to fill the gap and show the history. If people are interested in books, it is inconceivable that they will not be interested in how they are printed," he said. "For those who are interested, it will give them a better understanding of the product they have bought."
Book printing moved away from the early printing methods of woodblock printing developed in China, Japan and Korea when German inventor Johannes Gutenberg developed a new method of printing from movable type around 1440. It was unique in many ways and allowed for books to be printed more quickly and efficiently before being distributed across Europe.
Parallel to the history of printing, the exhibition will also showcase a history of prominent publishers and printers. From the Worshipful Company of Stationers - who were once in control of which books were published and distributed around Europe - to the golden age of publishing in the 1970s and 80s, the exhibition will highlight those who were influential in the industry.
Australian pioneers who will be displayed include influential publisher Lloyd O'Neil and his wife Anne O'Donovan, who published the first Good Food Guide as well as Brian Clouston, who founded The Jacaranda Press and Jack Lindsay, who set up Fanfrolico Press in London, which sold limited edition, high quality books, many of which were illustrated by his father Norman Lindsay.
The exhibition will be open 9am-5pm. Entry with gold coin donation.
