The Print Expo & Fair is an opportunity to step back in time and explore how we connected before the digital era. It takes place in Canada’s largest printing museum, Howard Iron Works in Oakville, ON.

One day only!

On Saturday, September 28, 2024, Howard Iron Works Printing Museum hosts the 2024 edition of their Print Expo & Fair. Activities include tours, demos, hands-on printing experiences, workshops, and shopping for unique and beautiful offerings by a talented group of artists, printers and book arts folks. Admission and tours are free.

This year’s workshops include one hour-long classes in a variety of printing processes, as well as long stitch (glue-less) book binding and tuxedo box making. Workshops are tailored for participants aged 12 and older – participation is limited to eight to 10 per session, at the discretion of the instructor. Fees include all materials required to complete the project being taught (see the Booking link below to register).

In addition to the workshops, there will be a special presentation (“Behind the Press with Wesley Bates”) by wood engraver, printmaker and letterpress printer Wesley W. Bates, whose work is held in collections around the world. Participants in this session will have a rare opportunity to watch a master at work, ask questions, and witness his craftsmanship first-hand. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or simply curious about the magic of wood engraving, this workshop promises to be a feast for the eyes and a celebration of creativity. Bates’s precision, dedication and artistic vision will leave a lasting impression on all who attend. Not to be missed, maximum of 15 participants.

Print Expo & Fair is a community event, for all ages, held in a fully accessible facility. It promises to be a great show and the folks at the museum look forward to seeing you all there!

”The most powerful machine ever developed by man was not the nuclear reactor nor the computer. It was the printing press, without which neither would have seen the light of day.”

– Nick Howard, Co-founder & Curator of Howard Iron Works Museum

About Howard Iron Works Printing Museum

Established in 2016, the Howard Iron Works Museum and Restoration facility is the fulfilment of a life-long dream of co-founders Liana and Nick Howard, who also run Howard Graphic Equipment Ltd., a leading-edge supplier and rebuilder of printing and converting equipment. The museum features a diverse and historically important collection of machinery and materials from 1830 to 1950, with all machines disassembled, repaired and finished to be as good as new. You can read more about their history here.

 

(Photo credits: Howard Iron Works Printing Museum.)

 

Event details

Hosted by: Howard Iron Works Printing Museum

Type of event: demos, workshops & printers fair

Participating vendors: See the list of vendors here 

Workshops: See the workshop & presentation schedule & details here 

Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024

Time: The whole event goes from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM ET. Please refer to the workshop & presentation schedule above for specific start times.

Duration: 6 hours for the whole event (workshops are one hour each & “Behind the Press with Wesley Bates” presentation is two hours)

Cost:

• Admission & museum tour: Free
• Workshops: C$25.00 each + HST, per person (see booking link below)
• “Behind the Press with Wesley Bates” presentation: C$50.00 + HST (see booking link below)

Location: Howard Iron Works Printing Museum, 800 Westgate Road, Oakville, ON, L6L 5N2, Canada

Booking links:

• Book your workshop spot here by clicking on the workshop you wish to take.
• Book your spot for “Behind the Press with Wesley Bates” here.

Contact Details: Margot Cudmore, Pomegranate Letterpress + Design; 289-681-1768, mcudmore@pomegranateletterpress.com 

 

Accessibility: The Museum is fully accessible for mobility devices and strollers. This event is suitable for ages 4+. Children 12 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.