Albion type Press [Alexandra Press]
Maker and role
W Notting, Manufacturer
Production date
1896
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Object detail
Accession number
1978.927
Maker
Production period
Description
Hand-operated, Albion type press 1896 Alexandra No.2074.
The power is obtained by pulling the bar-handle across which causes an inclined piece of wedge-shaped steel, called the chifi, to become perpendicular; in so doing, the platen is forced down and the impression takes place at the moment the chill (?) is brought into a vertical position. On the return of the bar, the platen is raised by a spiral spring placed in a box and fixed at the head of the press where the Prince of Wales feathers are.
The power is obtained by pulling the bar-handle across which causes an inclined piece of wedge-shaped steel, called the chifi, to become perpendicular; in so doing, the platen is forced down and the impression takes place at the moment the chill (?) is brought into a vertical position. On the return of the bar, the platen is raised by a spiral spring placed in a box and fixed at the head of the press where the Prince of Wales feathers are.
Brief History
The Alexandra Press is a type of Albion Press, and is known as a hand press or iron hand press because all components are worked by hand. The press is operated by pulling the bar-handle across, causing an inclined wedge of steel to force the plate down. The plate is raised again by a spiral spring placed in a box and fixed to the head of the press.
The Albion Press was designed by Richard Whitaker Cope in the 1820s and was later much improved upon by John Hopkinson (1849-1898). The chief characteristics of the Albion are its lightness of build and its ease in running. It is easily taken to pieces for cleaning, and re-erected.
W.H. Lockett & Co. produced the original Alexandra press and it is based on the Albion Press. It incorporates a cap in the form of ostrich feathers from the Prince of Wales badge, as the press was named after Princess Alexandra of Denmark who married Edward, the Prince of Wales in 1863. Due to its popularity, the press was produced by several different manufacturers, including the Australian based F.T. Wimble & Co.
MOTAT's version, manufactured in England by William Notting of Farringdon Road, London, dates to about 1896 and appears remarkably similar to the W. Notting Albion Press.
The Albion Press was designed by Richard Whitaker Cope in the 1820s and was later much improved upon by John Hopkinson (1849-1898). The chief characteristics of the Albion are its lightness of build and its ease in running. It is easily taken to pieces for cleaning, and re-erected.
W.H. Lockett & Co. produced the original Alexandra press and it is based on the Albion Press. It incorporates a cap in the form of ostrich feathers from the Prince of Wales badge, as the press was named after Princess Alexandra of Denmark who married Edward, the Prince of Wales in 1863. Due to its popularity, the press was produced by several different manufacturers, including the Australian based F.T. Wimble & Co.
MOTAT's version, manufactured in England by William Notting of Farringdon Road, London, dates to about 1896 and appears remarkably similar to the W. Notting Albion Press.
Marks
ALEXANDRA PRESS / W. NOTTING / FARRINGDON RD. / MAKER / LONDON / NO / 2074 Embossed
Credit Line
W Notting. 1896. Albion type Press [Alexandra Press], 1978.927. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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