Z802/2/1

Photograph of a man operating a Monotype print caster (circa 1935). Bottom left is the keyboard paper hole punch (circa 1950) above which is the paper scroll, also seen on the machine by the operator's left hand. To the left of his arm on the bench is a square matrix plate which is the heart of the machine, a different one for each typeface. To the right is a lead, tin and antimony ingot that lowers into a melting crucible; the molten metal is then sprayed into a tiny square mould covered by one of the hollow letters of the matrix plate. This immeidately cools and is ejected on to the table forming columns of type, seen here slightly blurred by movement. This machine can produce approximately 20,000 characters per day, and is estimated to have used over 100 tons of metal during its lifetime.

c. 1993

From: 1993 To: 1993

1 negative (7x5) 1 print 10 x 8.

English

item

photographs, printers, Clapham High Street, CLAPHAM, Steven Howard Press