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At any given time, our Restoration Team works on several projects simultaneously. For historical and archival purposes, our HIW photographer diligently takes pictures during the restoration and documents the various processes each machine is being put through. We have compiled the photos in a photo gallery for each machine. We hope you enjoy them.  Click Gallery Index to view other Photo Galleries.
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Benjamin Porter was an English machine builder. The heavy and ornate press he designed and built carries some genes from both the Albion and Columbian presses. In C. Timperley' s Printer’s Manual of 1838, it was reported that the Britannia press was highly spoken of by many practical printers and extensively patronized in the counties of York and Lancaster. No one knows how many machines were made or what changes were done. It is believed that only 10 Britannia presses are known to exist today. The Britannia has several rather unique designs including the bed and the platen return (he used a counterweight similar to Clymer). Decorated with fluted columns with urns perched on the pillars and the magnificent royal arms atop the press, the Britannia was manufactured between 1837 to 1847. The Britannia press arrived at our facility in a very poor condition with many missing and broken parts. Thanks to Duane's extensive research and leadership, and the hard work by HIW Restoration team led by Sean, this rare hand iron press was saved from extinction. Sean's skills and ingenuity earned him a special recognition. Featured here is the restoration of the B. Porter Britannia Press. |
 Printing Museum and Restoration |
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