Comments on: diy project: letterpress block wallhanging

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:52:15 +0000

Chris,
That’s a pretty general statement – that the Great American Way is forging ahead without heeding the criticisms you may encounter.

You’re implying the most criticisms are accurate and should be heeded. I agree that design needs to go beyond the visual, but this isn’t really design since it’s not for a customer nor is is it solving a problem. Art yes, design no.

By: LoopyMind

LoopyMind — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:36:08 +0000

To preserve the original letterpress blocks, but still be able to sell letterpress blocks as wall decoration, one could make use of a laser-cutter / etching machine. they’d lack the authenticity of course…

By: Sara

Sara — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:13:36 +0000

Working as a designer for an old newspaper/printer, we have many sets of blocks from years ago that collect dust in the basement. Being too sentimental to let them go, but long since moved to the digital age, this would be the perfect way to appreciate them yet not have to part with them. I do think that I would use Command Strips though so as not to damage the blocks themselves.

By: Dan Howell

Dan Howell — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:19:38 +0000

I have a few letterpress blocks used to print movie posters. I believe it would be a great collection to this idea. I would like to sell if anyone is interested:
Dick Tracy (made in the 40’s) -
2-3/4″ x 6-7/8″
Captain Marvel(made in the 40s) -2-3/4″ x 6-7/8″
Batman movie (made in the 70’s)-5-3/4″ x 6-7/8″

By: Adi

Adi — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:05:47 +0000

I totally and completely agree with Jenny, these are deffinitely not a waste. They are a piece of art, and prbably greatly appreciated. If they are old, at least they are not in a dusty basement. This is a FANTASTIC design!

That is a gorgeous wood table too!

By: Helena/ROOM AND SERVE

Helena/ROOM AND SERVE — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:05:46 +0000

Lovely, I have racks og these old block prints. I use to hand the racks as a collage on the wall. Gives ‘personality’ to a home!

By: beth lind

beth lind — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:21:47 +0000

AS A TYPE SETTER MYSELF, IM GLAD THAT OTHERS ENJOY THE OLD WOODEN TYPE, I THINK THIS IS A GREAT IDEA , WE HAVE DONE THE SAME THING AT OUR SHOP, WITH ENGRAVINGS THAT WE NO LONGER USE. IT’S NOT LIKE THEY ARE BEING BURNED OR RUINED.

By: ethnicscrapbooking

ethnicscrapbooking — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 23:58:37 +0000

I saw tons of broken letter sets at Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market this past fall in NYC. I only bought my initials, because I couldn’t think of any other use for a complete set (although they didn’t have complete sets) but now I wish I had bought more. Love the fact that they are removable from the wall and not damaged by this use.

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:19:23 +0000

Yes Praisley, sadly you are right. It does seem to be the Great American way these days- forge ahead with your ideas, criticism be damned. My cat’s coat would would look real cute as a pair of mittens but… Design needs to go beyond the visual components or else you’re just decorating.

By: MC

MC — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 07:32:22 +0000

I agree that this is a lovely decorative idea, but it saddens me to see the letters used in this way. Wood type is for printing and that is what many letterpress printers still use it for…it doesn’t just sit around!