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Compositor Collection

The art of typesetting by hand was a meticulous craft mastered by the skilled compositor

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Compositor Collection: Typesetting by hand, Morning Post newspaper, London
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Compositor Collection: Typesetter at work
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Compositor Collection: Member certificate of the London Society of Compositors (colour litho)
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Compositor Collection: Compositor at Works
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Compositor Collection: PRINTING OFFICE, 1861. Women employed as compositors at a printing office in London, England
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Compositor Collection: The International Exhibition: Mitchel's type-composing machine, 1862. Creator: Unknown
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Compositor Collection: Operators of a Type Composing Machine
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Compositor Collection: Photographs of women at work, in traditionally male roles. With heading, Where Woman Wants To
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Compositor Collection: Printer (engraving)
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Compositor Collection: Women working at the Victoria Press 1861
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Compositor Collection: William Caxton in his printing shop (litho)
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Compositor Collection: Box lid, Le Petit Compositeur, game
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Compositor Collection: Robert Etienne (coloured engraving)
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Compositor Collection: Interieur d un atelier de compositeurs (engraving)
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Compositor Collection: Compositor (chromolitho)
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Compositor Collection: The Development of Printing, plate 5 from Nova Reperta
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Compositor Collection: Typesetters and Compositors, c. 1860 (colour litho)
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Compositor Collection: Dutch printing office (engraving)
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Compositor Collection: Robert Etienne (coloured engraving)
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Compositor Collection: Compositor at Work (engraving)
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Compositor Collection: Typesetters working at the Publishers Printing Co. New York (silver gelatin print)
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Compositor Collection: Newspaper printing, Mexborough, South Yorkshire, 1959. Artist: Michael Walters
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Compositor Collection: Compositors and Pressmen, North China Daily News Office, 1910. Artist: Cox Company Ltd
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Compositor Collection: Hand composition room, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Long Island City, New York, 1922
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Compositor Collection: Printing office, c1600
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Compositor Collection: Sydney Waterlow Young
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Compositor Collection: PRINTING OFFICE, c1710. Woodcut, English, c1710
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Compositor Collection: HINE: COMPOSITOR, 1917. A young compositor earning $7
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Compositor Collection: HINE: TYPESETTING, 1917. A schoolboy learning typesetting at the Training School
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Compositor Collection: English printing workshop c1719. On the left the compositor is selecting type from the case
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Compositor Collection: TYPESETTER, 19th CENTURY. Line engraving, 19th century
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Compositor Collection: LONDON: PRINTING OFFICE. The Victoria Press in Great Coram Street, London, England
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Compositor Collection: Printing press, 16th century
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Compositor Collection: Hand Compositor receiving spacing materials
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Compositor Collection: Compositor and ranks of Chinese Types
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Compositor Collection: French Compositor 1850
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Compositor Collection: Compositor at Work
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Compositor Collection: Compositor at Wors
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Compositor Collection: Printing Blocks 1760S
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Compositor Collection: Dutch Printing Office
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Compositor Collection: Printing, 16th Century

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The art of typesetting by hand was a meticulous craft mastered by the skilled compositor. In the bustling city of London, these craftsmen could be found diligently working at their trade, ensuring that every word and letter was perfectly arranged on the page. One such place where these talented individuals could be seen in action was the Morning Post newspaper office. Here, compositors toiled away, meticulously arranging type to create beautifully set pages for publication. Their expertise did not go unnoticed, as evidenced by the prestigious membership certificate from the London Society of Compositors proudly displayed on one compositor's wall. This colorful lithograph symbolized their dedication and skill within their profession. In another snapshot from history, we catch a glimpse of women breaking barriers as they worked as compositors in a printing office in 1861 London. This rare color engraving showcases their determination to excel in traditionally male-dominated roles. Advancements in technology brought about changes in this age-old craft with the introduction of type composing machines operated by skilled hands. These operators embraced innovation while upholding the traditions and precision associated with being a compositor. Photographs captured moments when women defied societal norms and pursued careers typically reserved for men. From lady billstickers in Paris to girl messengers in Leipsic and even women coal miners in Charleroi, these images celebrated female empowerment across various industries - including printing. Even historical figures like William Lloyd Garrison were not exempt from getting their hands dirty as they set up type for their papers using lithography techniques. The printer's artistry came alive through engravings that showcased both skill and creativity. The Victoria Press became an emblematic space where women made significant contributions to typesetting during 1861. Their presence shattered gender stereotypes while leaving an indelible mark on the world of printing. Looking further back into history, we find ourselves transported to William Caxton's printing shop through a lithograph.