Finding a manufacturer of letterpresses in France - these proofing presses that produce very small print runs and are powered by arms alone - is mission impossible. But then again! In the medium to short term, a Breton press called the Ijin machine (Ijin meaning machine or gear in Breton), manufactured in France, may well come onto the market.
The project is the brainchild of Jean-Baptiste Cautain, a wood engraver from Vannes. The idea was born a few years ago, when this artist was running engraving initiation workshops, and was often asked where he could buy a press. The project to mass-produce letterpresses for manually printing relief forms (woodcuts, linocuts, movable type in wood or lead) was launched.
A first prototype of the Ijin machine has already been produced
To finance part of the essential prototyping phase - the stage at which the test copies are produced - a fund-raising campaign was launched, and the target of 10,000 euros was quickly reached.
Jean-Baptiste Cautain wanted to develop the Ijin machine in three formats: 25 x 35 cm, 35 x 50 cm and 50 x 70 cm. The first prototype of the smallest format was completed in three days, then the necessary corrections were made; now it's time for the second prototype. Plans for the 35 x 50 cm Ijin machine should be ready by autumn.
An easy-to-use 12 kg letterpress
With its aluminum frame, steel roller and wooden handle, the press weighs no more than 12 kg, making it easy to transport. Operation is extremely simple: simply place the engraving or movable type on the marble, ink with a roller, place a sheet of paper on top, push the roller forward and pull it back.
For Jean-Baptiste Cautain, the Ijin machine is first and foremost a tool for creative hobbies, but it is also aimed at professional artists who want high-quality equipment for printing their prints, art and design schools, and art teachers in schools.
Ijin machine to be unveiled in October
At the end of October, the engraver from Vannes will don his sales jacket to present the Ijin machine in its smallest format at the Salon Multiples in Morlaix, a trade show for small artist's editions. Other presentations at trade fairs and festivals in France, and even Europe, are expected to follow, in order to conclude the pre-sales essential before launching production of his first press.
The story of the Ijin machine is one to follow, especially as other projects are underway such as the creation of a wooden typeface with a Breton identity, but we won't tell you more... for now.
