Show & Tell Friday: The Imposing Stone

Today I thought I'd share one of the pieces in the print room, the imposing stone.

The Museum of Printing says this about it:
After basic composition, type must be assembled into galleys for first proof and then “imposed” pages and multiple-page forms in preparation for printing. The table upon which the type is organized into one or multi-page forms is called the imposing stone, and often is made of marble. Later industrial models are precision steel. Marble and steel are preferred to ensure flatness and levelness of the surface when a form is prepared for the press. Forms are stored temporarily and long-term tied with page-cord (strong fine waxed string) on a galley in a galley rack. Forms that are going to or from the press for proofs or corrections will be stored in chases that fit the press, which are stored on edge in special racks and (in larger sizes) wheeled about on special “trucks” or dollies.

This thing is HEAVY. Took me hours to push it over a few feet, and it's on sliders!!

Like they say, it has great storage- the side up against the wall is all galley trays, plus the wooden furniture storage and storage for chases, which are all in use right now but would normally be in the top right section.

Good "junk drawer" storage, too- deep enough to use a big sorter and still have room for ginormous composing sticks underneath.

But I use it as a big work station. : )

Pardon the mess!

Perhaps the coolest thing about this, though, is where it came from: San Jacinto College.

When I was in elementary school, my parents would sign me up for children's art classes at San Jacinto College. And 23 years later, here we are.

Hope you enjoyed the little peak into the workshop. One day I'll introduce you to Vera. A day when i have time to take a decent video.

Wishing you all a great weekend. Mother's Day cards coming up!
Cheers!