Rental

You can print at Hamilton!

Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum provides members with low-cost workspace in our letterpress print shop facilities. (Not a member yet? Sign-up today!) The museum and pressroom are located in what was previously a manufacturing facility on the shores of Lake Michigan, which provides a unique working environment.

The 45,000 sq. foot museum hosts a 5,000 sq. foot working letterpress studio and three additional studios specifically for working artists. The fully equipped pressroom allows artists to use unique machinery, including vintage presses, and a plethora of type (more than 350 cases).

Wireless internet is available in the museum, but visiting printers must have his/her own computer. The museum and pressroom are both wheelchair accessible.

Equipment Available

Two table top board shears
One Vandercook SP 15
One Vandercook 320
One 14.5” x 22.5” sign press
One 25” x 34” sign press
One 28” x 45” sign press
Many cases of wood and metal hand type
One light table
Drying racks
Printer’s furniture, quoins, quoin keys

Fees

We charge $100 for each day in the working space. Printing fee deposits are required for confirmation on the Hamilton pressroom schedule. All deposits are one half of the estimated fees and are non-refundable. Rental fees cover the use of wood type in the pressroom, CMYK and opaque white ink, solvents and rags. Visiting printers must bring their own consumable materials, including paper and other supplies. All printers will be asked to leave a portion of their prints at the museum for Hamilton's archival or sales purposes.

You must have printing experience, and a minimum of one month advance notice is required.

Contact the museum at info@woodtype.org to check for studio availability and to inquire about purchasing paper at the museum.

Please complete the Shop Rental Agreement and submit to the museum.

All applicants must fill out a Project Proposal Form prior to their visit.

Also, we ask that you read and sign the attached Access Guidelines before your visit.

Thanks, we can't wait to see you!