These handmade paper alphabet blocks were letterpress printed using wood type on a Vandercook no. 4 machine. This particular type of press was invented in 1935 by Robert Vandercook & Sons in Chicago, IL. It was one of the first “geared” presses used to print that did not rely on gravity. This particular model was manufactured until 1960. Today this type of press is highly sought after by printers and artists. It is often used to produce broadsides (posters) and artist books. Several blocks were also printed using a Reprex press--similar to the Vandercook.













