Commoners Press
Commoners Press is a local startup print studio that works with artists and designers in Australia and abroad on short run projects. We really like projects that are community focused, experimental, sustainable and/or regenerative practice.
We have 3 letter presses including a 100+ year old manual press and are currently working with 3D printing as a way of connecting new and old printing technology.
Contact us
Email us to get in touch -- or -- Follow us on Instagram and say hello.
What's on
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7pm, Thursday 18 May We are cohosting a Tara Books presentation with Troppo Print Studio. Tara Books is a legendary independent publishing house started in 1994 by Gita Wolf. Central to their publishing is a pioneering engagement with the rich diversity of Indian folk and tribal art. Get your free ticket here. More: Tara Books ~ Troppo Print Studio
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2pm, 18 May in Melbourne CBD, 2pm 20 May in Geelong & 2pm 21 May, Coburg Commoners Press at the Melbourne Art Book Fair and Melbourne Design week. We are running 3 participatory, hands-on-printing workshops. Come and hand set metal type and then print an octavo chapbook. More details and ticket info, or on Instagram.
How it started
The Commoners Press was formed in 2017 with the purchase of 3 traditional letterpress machines, one paper guillotine and various printing sundries (paper stock, printing ink and tools) from Ray, owner of Excell Press in Brunswick. Ray had bought them new in the 1960ies and sold them to us when he retired in 2017. He continued to show us how to operate these machines alongside Geoff White, a former pressman who completed his apprenticeship on the very same machines.
In January 2021 Commoners Press moved from Brunswick to Coburg North and is now part of Coburg Studios on Charles Street. A semi-trailer was required to transport this very heavy machinery.