Press on the Press

Our upcoming book and printing arts program is spearheaded by world-renowned bookmaker and letterpress printer Peter Koch. Montana Senior News featured an article on Koch detailing his history in the book arts world and how that's all culminated in this new venture at the University of Montana. Read it here and learn more about Koch's dream to reinvorgate the importance of physical books in a time of digital communication. 

Additionally, you can find out more about the Hacker press machine itself at this Missoulian article which features Ashby Kinch detailing hopes for the program and the charisma of physical books.

Also, keep your eye out for our sale of Kevin Young's limited physical pressing of his poem, "Russet." Feel free to reach out to ashby.kinch@mso.umt.edu for advance requests. 

Coming soon to UM!

Within the next few years, UM will begin its first Book Arts Program. This program will focus on letterpress development, artistic design, handcrafted books and binding, and more. Check back here for more information as we receive updates on the program's progress.

Meet the machine

Our press, brought into its new home in Schreiber on UM's campus, is the Hacker Test Press No.5–B from 1936. It is a hand cranked press with an optional motor that was used to produce some of Peter Koch's recent work, including the Lost Journals of Sacajawea, a collaboration with Debra Earling. 

Learn more through the Missoulian article on our new press.

The Press' Journey

The physical printing press has been on a cross-country trek to arrive here. Here is an inside look at the behemoth's journey to find its new home.

Unloading the press on UM's campus after transporting it from California.

Rolling the press into Schreiber.

Getting the press settled in its new home.

Upcoming Book Arts Program

In conjunction with the Press, Art department, and English department, UM will soon offer a Book Arts Program in which students can learn skills to operate the mechanical press, print handmade books, and learn the history of the literary art form. Check back for updates as we continue to develop this program!