Moveable Type Collection

Gutenbergs printing press, 1450s
Gutenberg and Fust with the first printing press, Germany, 1450s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Gutenberg Bible page
Page of the Gutenburg Bible. Color lithograph reproduction of the document

British Institution Exhibition - "The First Impression" - painted by H. Selous, 1850. Creator: Smyth
British Institution Exhibition - "The First Impression" - painted by H. Selous, 1850. Engraving of a painting in a London exhibition:..one of Mr

Page from La civilite puerile a laquelle avons adiouste la discipline et instruction
869495 Page from La civilitepuerile a laquelle avons adioustela discipline et instruction des enfans. Aussi La doctrine et enseignemens du pere de famille A la jeunesse by Desiderius Erasmus

The Gutenberg Bible, Mainz c. 1450-55
CH15829 The Gutenberg Bible, Mainz c.1450-55 by German School, (15th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: first major book printed in west; rubrication)

Title page from La civilite puerile a laquelle avons adiouste la discipline et
869494 Title page from La civilitepuerile a laquelle avons adioustela discipline et instruction des enfans. Aussi La doctrine et enseignemens du pere de famille A la jeunesse by Desiderius Erasmus

Latin grammar page from Gutenbergs press
Page of the " Grammaire Latine" by Donatus, published by Gutenberg. Woodcut with a watercolor wash

Printing the Gutenberg Bible, 1453
The first proof sheet from Gutenbergs press, 1453. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

William Caxton, the first English printer
William Caxton examining his first proof sheet in Westminster Abbey, England, 1475. Printed reproduction of a color lithograph illustration

PPRT2A-00006
Gutenbergs printing press, Mainz, Germany, 1450s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

PPRT2A-00002
Johannes Gutenberg examining a proof. Hand-colored engraving of a 19th century illustration

PRINTERs BLOCK, 1914. Printers block for the National Press Club Yearbook, Washington, D.C. 1914

Printing Press C017 / 3468
Plate from 18th century encyclopedia showing a printing press a device for evenly printing ink on to a print medium such as paper or cloth

PARISIAN PRINT SHOP, 1643. The making of copper-plate engravings in a Parisian print shop. Copper engraving, French, 1643

Johannes Gutenberg, German printer
Johannes Gutenberg (c.1398-1468), German printer and publisher. Gutenbergs development of moveable type, combined with his printing press, allowed the mass production of printed books

PPRT2A-00003
Page of Gutenbergs 42-line Bible, printed in the 1450s, probably the first use of movable type. Color lithograph reproduction

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"Revolutionizing the Written Word: The Birth in the 1450s" In the 1450s, Johannes Gutenberg's groundbreaking invention, moveable type, forever transformed the world of printing. With his invention of the printing press, Gutenberg revolutionized communication and made books accessible to a wider audience. One remarkable example is the Gutenberg Bible page, a masterpiece that showcases both exquisite craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Printed in Mainz around 1450-55, this iconic piece represents a pivotal moment in history when knowledge became more readily available. Another notable work produced using moveable type is "La civilite puerile a laquelle avons adiouste la discipline et instruction. " This enlightening book not only provided education but also emphasized proper behavior and etiquette for young readers. The process behind creating these literary treasures was awe-inspiring. One can imagine witnessing the production of the Gutenberg Bible as each page was meticulously printed by hand. It was an arduous task that required immense skill and dedication from craftsmen who meticulously arranged individual metal letters into words and sentences. Moveable type quickly spread beyond Germany's borders with William Caxton becoming England's first printer. His contributions were instrumental in bringing literature to English-speaking audiences for centuries to come. Gutenberg's press also played a significant role in disseminating knowledge through Latin grammar pages. These texts helped shape educational systems across Europe during this transformative era. Even today, we can appreciate moveable type's enduring impact on society. From vintage printers' blocks used for publications like National Press Club Yearbook to modern-day printing presses producing countless materials daily – all owe their existence to Gutenberg’s ingenuity. As we reflect on these historical artifacts such as PPRT2A-00006 or PPRT2A-00002 or Printing Press C017 / 3468 - tangible reminders of our past - let us celebrate how moveable type has shaped the way we communicate, learn, and preserve knowledge.