Common Press

Where Can I Find Common Press Prints? 

Kislak Center for Special Collections maintains an archive of the Press's work. Kelly Writers House has images of work produced under their Robinson Press imprint on their website.

Where can I get photopolymer plates made?

We order ours from Boxcar Press. They provide detailed information on file preparation and ordering, as well as fast turnaround.

Can I work at the Press? 

Common Press employs several student workers through the year. Search student positions in WorkDay for openings.
 

• Vandercook No. 4 (1955)
• Vandercook SP-15 (1963)
• Hoe Washington Hand Press (ca. 1847)
• Chandler and Price New Series 8 x 12 Platen Press
• Golding Pearl New Improved #8 5 x 8 Platen Press
• Kelsey Excelsior 5 x 8 Tabletop Platen Press
• Signmaker Proof Press
• 2 Provisional Presses (available to loan)
• Library of wood and metal type, along with historical image blocks
• 2 sets of P22 Blox
• Bases for photopolymer plate & pressure prints
• Pearl Guillotine Cutter, 14” Blade
• Dahle Rotary Paper Cutter
• Corner Rounder
• Button Maker (1.25")
• Library of paper samples

The Common Press currently offers two toolkits for checkout and use by faculty, staff, and students using their PennCard. Toolkits may be borrowed for up to three months. Stop by the Common Press during open hours to check out a toolkit.

Borrowers who do not return the toolkits will be charged for the materials.

Book Binding Tool Kit: Awl, olfa knife, small metal ruler, small cutting mat, bone folder, binding needle, hole punching cradle, glue stick, binding thread, scissors, resource booklet.

Linoleum Block Carving Kit: Lino carving tool, carbon paper, vellum, small lino block, brayer, small tube of ink, paper, resource & instruction booklet. 

Studio users are asked to sign the following safety agreement:

Common Press Studio Use Agreement

I understand that operating Common Press machinery comes with a risk of bodily injury, therefore I agree to:

• ask for assistance from the Studio Manager or Studio Coordinator when I am unsure about something.
• tie back long hair and remove loose, dangling, or flowing clothing and jewelry.
• exercise caution when moving type cases or other heavy objects and ask for assistance when needed so as to avoid injury.
• use proper safety precautions when handling type, ink, and cleaning materials:  
  • wear gloves to protect skin from inks and cleaning materials.
  • wash hands thoroughly after handling type, ink or clean up materials
  • read the available Material Safety Sheets if more information is needed.
• use the studio only while sober.

I understand that I am using antique equipment and type and will do so with respect. Therefore, I agree to:

• get approval from the Studio Manager or Coordinator to use any experimental printmaking methods, outside papers, printing plates, inks or cleaning products.
• operate with mindfulness.

I understand that, in accordance with Fisher Fine Arts Library policy, no food is allowed in the Common Press studio. Beverages in cover containers are allowed but should not be handled with hands dirty from type, inks, or clean up.

I understand that failure to work within the terms of this agreement will result in loss of studio access.