The Art of Printing: A Journey Through History at UVA
In the heart of the University of Virginia, a unique spectacle unfolds as visitors gather to observe the ancient art of printing. Josef Beery, an alumnus of UVA, wields inkballs made from goat leather, meticulously coating them with ink to bring to life the words of the Declaration of Independence on a metal plate. This plate is a faithful replica of an original housed in UVA’s Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, which boasts two of the 26 known surviving copies from the original 200 prints. Read more about the replica here.
Beery, with a deft pull of a lever, operates a replica of a Franklin printing press—an homage to the presses Benjamin Franklin himself purportedly used in London. Spectators, including English professor Matthew Kirschenbaum, are captivated by Beery’s demonstration and the rhythmic dance of ink and paper.
In a nod to history, Beery will reprise his demonstration for the public on July 4 during the “Revolutionary Printing” event hosted by the UVA Library, marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Discover more about the event. Beery’s fascination with printing began unexpectedly during his student days at UVA, spurred by his roommate’s interest and a chance meeting with Special Collections curator Clint Sisson.
Beery, an Echols Scholar who studied architecture and history, was introduced to the intricacies of printing through Sisson, who had crafted a replica of the Smithsonian Institution’s Franklin press. Reflecting on the significance of this technology, Beery noted, “Every book in the University Library was printed on a press like this up until the 1800s. The Declaration of Independence was printed this way; the Luther Bible was printed this way. It was how they communicated and archived information. I figured it was a pretty important device.”
Though initially on a path toward architecture, Beery found himself drawn to the world of publication design when job opportunities in architecture were scarce. His work spanned various departments within UVA, but with the advent of computers, he yearned for the tactile connection he once experienced through traditional printing methods.
This rediscovery led him to establish the Virginia Arts of the Book Center, known today as Virginia Book Arts, which focuses on teaching the history and craftsmanship of books. When Rare Book School relocated to UVA, Beery seized the opportunity to deepen his knowledge, taking courses in the 1990s.
The replica press, once a forgotten artifact in the McGregor Room, found new life when Rare Book School began using it for demonstrations. “I found this press sitting in the McGregor Room, underused, and then Rare Book School decided they would start using it for demonstrations. So, they got it out, and they put it up on the second floor of what was then called Alderman Library, outside the men’s room. That’s where I gave demonstrations on this press for many, many years,” Beery recounted.
Today, the press is prominently displayed in the south gallery of the Special Collections. Despite the challenges of transporting the bulky Franklin press, Beery’s demonstrations have attracted a growing audience, eager to witness the historical process of printing firsthand.
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