Approval given to move exhibits to new building but time running out to secure necessary finance.
The Printing Museum, New Zealand's main preservation organisation for the development of historically significant printing technology in the country, is moving home. After a lengthy search in the Wellington region, a suitable building has been located in the town of Paraparaumu.
The next challenge is raising the necessary funds for the move and to secure funding for the museum's educational outreach programme - all within the next few weeks.
The Printing Museum's collection, which began in 1984, includes the 1852 Harrild "Albion" hand-press, used by the Blundell family to print the first issue of one of New Zealand's newspapers, "The Evening Post" in 1865 (published until 2002), which is in fully restored working order.
Bill Nairn, President of the The Printing Museum, said that the new building suited the organisation very well and has appealed for financial help; "This building suits us in so many ways including a high level of security, load bearing floors and room for expansion in the future."
"The Museum also needs to increase its member and volunteer base so if anyone can assist financially or wants to get involved please contact us urgently."
Hands-on
The fundraising goal is to provide visitors an opportunity to step back in time and see a working print shop using a range of technologies, spanning 150 years.
Nearly 400 years after the birth of letterpress printing in Europe, a press came ashore with early settlers in New Zealand.
The success and spread of printing reflected the early growth of the former British colony, with 170 newspapers coming into existence by 1870.
Intended as a hands-on museum, programmes will provide a range of educational opportunities for schools, and courses for adults such as typography and printmaking.
For further information, or with any offers of assistance, please contact Bill Nairn, President on +64 (04) 934 6509 or email bill.nairn@clear.net.nz
