The Old Stile Press… in the Twentieth Century (A Bibliography 1979–1999), 2000
Old Stile Press, Monmouthshire, Wales, UK
'The Old Stile Press' illustrates the development and work achieved at the Old Stile Press between the years 1979, when it was established, and 1999. Chapters of the book include its history and bibliography, as written and compiled by Dorothy A. Harrop, and the Press’s inspirations and its methods, written by Peter Wakelin. Further writings include accounts by Frances McDowall, and the company’s proprietor, Nicolas McDowall.
Nicolas McDowall began to journal his experience at the Press in 1980. He had become ‘intoxicated’ by the printing process after attending a printmaking weekend at the Whittington Press in 1979. With a previous background in publishing, McDowall at first printed his own book before beginning to acquire equipment and type over three years. The Old Stile Press includes examples of the establishment’s work, with texts and images printed for authors including Robert Buchanan, George MacKay-Brown, Edward Lear, Ted Hughes, Eric Williams, and Lucy Crane.
136 pages, 289 x 214mm. The book is set in Joanna type and was designed and assembled by Nicolas McDowall at The Old Stile Press, Monmouthshire. It was printed on Five Seasons Paper by the Premiere Press Ltd, Cheltenham. Most of the book is printed in black and white, but there is a segment on pages 33–40 which include coloured photographs of The Old Stile Press’s work.
Edition of 1000 copies. The cover art is a wash-drawing designed for the publication by Clive Hicks-Jenkins, and the book was bound by Woolnough Bookbinding Ltd. Covered with acetate wrapper. Dedicated to Nell McDowall.
£40 (plus P&P and insurance)