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Printing Press - English Common Press, Fawkner, 1700s Object Reg. No: ST 026747

Photograph - Fawkner Printing Press, Incorrect Configuration
Images: 2
Summary:
The Melbourne Advertiser, the first Melbourne newspaper, was printed on this press in 1838.

The publisher, John Pascoe Fawkner, was an entrepreneur taking advantage of opportunities presented by the young colony of Victoria. In a competitive climate, he was anxious to be the first to establish a newspaper. Fawkner obtained the press just before the production of the 10th edition. In his haste to publish, previous editions of his paper had been handwritten.

The press, believed to date from the first half of the 18th century, was replaced with a more efficient model in 1840.
Acquisition Information:
Transfer from State Library of Victoria (SLV)
Discipline: Technology
Overall Dimensions : 209 cm (Height), 92.00 cm (Width), 166 cm (Length)

More information

Tagged with: exhibitions melbourne intercolonial australasian 1866-1867, printing, printing equipment, printing presses
Themes this item is part of: Information & Communication Collection, Public Life & Institutions Collection
On Display at: Melbourne Museum
Primary Classification: COMMUNICATIONS
Secondary Classification: Printing
Tertiary Classification: printers
Dimension Comment: Measurements in reconfigured state. Meaurements taken by Curator. Width includes measurement of top beam. Uprights width alone is 78.60 cm.
Past Owner or User: Mr. John Fawkner, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1838
Past Owner or User: James Harrison, 1840
References: HUBBER, BRIAN. THE FAWKNER PRINTING PRESS: A PROVENANCE STUDY. LA TROBE LIBRARY JOURNAL NO. 57 AUTUMN 1996 PP. 15-25. http://sharlot.org/events/livinghistory/printing.html accessed 9 October 2008 Melbourne Advertiser first printed edition (#10)
Bibliography: [Journal],The Fawkner printing press: a provenance study,Melbourne, 15 - 25 Pages

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