S3e105 rare books meet heavy machinery with Amelia Hugill-Fontanel
Platemark: prints and the printmaking ecosystem
S3e105 rare books meet heavy machinery with Amelia Hugill-Fontanel

This week, Ann sits down with the formidable Amelia Hugill-Fontanel, Associate Curator at the Cary Graphic Arts Collection at RIT to discuss rare books, graphic arts, and maintaining working presses.

What happens when a rare book library is also a working machine shop? This week, Ann sits down with the formidable Amelia Hugill-Fontanel, Associate Curator at the Cary Graphic Arts Collection at RIT. Amelia isn't just a keeper of history; she’s a "press fixer" who maintains a fleet of functional 19th-century printing presses. We dive into the incredible legacy of Melbert B. Cary Jr., the intersection of historical type and 3D-printing innovation, and the inspiring rise of women in the traditionally "macho" world of iron hand presses. Whether you’re a letterpress obsessive or a curious novice, Amelia’s journey to curator and mechanic is a masterclass in keeping the history of the graphic arts alive and spinning. One print at a time.

Show me the images !!

https://www.rit.edu/carycollection/
@ameliafont1
@ritcarycollection
Cover image: Jiageng Lin

Platemark is produced by Ann Shafer
Theme music:
Michael Diamond
Audio mixing: Dan Fury, Extension Audio
PR and Marketing: Elizabeth Berger, EYB Creates