WellingtonNZ.com,
New Zealand 

Our objective is the preservation, restoration and working displays of printing machinery and equipment from the letterpress here in New Zealand: 1840 - 1950. As well, we aim to preserve the skills, processes and printer's terminology of this era and extend our current library of books and other publications - both technical and general.

Prior to the establishment of the Bedplate Press Printing Museum, there was no organisation in existence to rescue printing machinery and equipment made obsolete by the rapid advance of new technology. Local printers, concerned that this was liable to be lost forever, approached Silver Stream Railway. In response to this, a small group of enthusiasts established a printing section. The growth of the collection in the early 1980s was such that a special meeting was held on March 29, 1984, and the Bedplate Press Printing Museum was established. Since then, our collection has grown and is currently located in premises at Silverstream Retreat, opposite the main entrance to Silver Stream Railway in Reynolds Bach Drive (off the Eastern Hutt Road). The printing museum will cater for school tours and give young people an insight into the real history of one of our most important industries.