The Text and ConText Lab’s Columbian hand press was added to a global database

What weighs a ton, was built in 1884 and recently joined the Worldwide Hand Press Database?

The Columbian hand press in the Text and conText Lab — a collaboration between Pitt’s Center for Creativity and University Library System — was recently added to the Association of European Printing Museums directory. The database has indexed the location and characteristics of more than 2,200 existing hand presses around the world, making Pitt’s fully functional press a unique piece of printmaking history.

Anyone in the Pitt community can try their hand at the press by visiting the Text and conText Lab, located on the third floor of Hillman Library. The lab also features a Vandercook proof press and provides opportunities for bookbinding, papermaking and much more. Explore upcoming events.