The 1954 Kelsey 5x8 Model U Platen Press!

Our New Baby!

We purchased a refurbished 1954 Kelsey Model U 5x8 platen press this week! I'm flipping out! The seller did an incredible job and the press is like factory new. It's almost TOO clean and new! It arrived with a nice gift locked into the chase: a Ludwig cast Spofford Press logo block. Very cool!

This is a game changer for us! It's going to be a huge time saver compared to the larger manual etching press. We will have the best of both worlds. Larger prints or projects that need a deep impression will be printed on our etching press, while smaller cards, prints and labels will be printed quickly on the Kelsey! 

We've already printed the backs of some of our cards using the Kelsey. Each card now takes about 20 seconds for an impression compared to 1-2 minutes on the etching press! 

The chase with our logo block locked up.

Out of the Crate

Stunning!

1st little print proof!

It's So Clean!

The backs of some cards,  printed much quicker then using the etching press!

We're Open for Business!

Welcome to Spofford Press! 

After years of dreaming about owning a printshop and six months of building and planning the space, I am happy to say we are open for business! 

Spofford Press is a custom letterpress print shop located in Rhode Island specializing in beautifully designed stationery, prints, and announcements. With over 8 years experience printing and engraving we are focused on designing original images and art. We make our prints using hand drawn images, and often print directly from hand carved woodcuts and engravings. No clip art here! 

A panoramic shot of the shop - It certainly won't stay this clean!!

We will be selling our cards, stationery and posters through our Etsy page. There you will find new limited edition prints and items as they are released! 

Our press, christened "Hank the Tank" after the 1960's jazz musician Hank Mobley. 

We also have a Spofford Press Facebook where fun updates are posted throughout the months! We will announce new prints as well as the occasional sale from time to time! It's a great way for us to connect with you! 

We look forward to collaborating with local printmakers and friends to edition and make new work! We will use this blog to keep everyone in the loop about what's cooking on the shop! The Summer is already shaping up to be HUGE!!

Spofford Press is going to make some of the coolest stuff you've ever seen! Now that we're up and running there is no going back!!!  Thanks for reading! Time to get some ink under my fingernails!

Welcome to Spofford Press!!