The Print Shop team at MOTAT was thrilled to move back into its refreshed workshop on December 1st. The Museum had undertaken a feasibility study on the long-term requirements for a comprehensive printshop and bindery, and we were pleased with the opportunity to be engaged. Realistically, this was envisioned as part of a longer-term, five-year plan. However, in the interim, we collaborated with the Museum to refurbish the existing space.
The plan involved completely emptying the workshop, repainting the walls and floor, and performing minor repairs. Our objective was to redesign the layout to optimise the space for both our team and the public. Over several months, we dedicated our Sunday sessions working on the plan, and a week before the end of November, everything came together.
We repositioned the large equipment (Heidelberg cylinder, Heidelburg platen, Linotype and Ludlow) along one wall, adjusting their spacing for better usability. Additionally, in accordance with our plan, we laid out the type cases and all the attendant equipment (lockup stones, reglets, furniture, etc.) into four back-to-back workstations. This setup allows our team to work more efficiently without having the public pass back and forth behind them.
As expected—and despite adding three more type cases—we now have significantly improved working spaces, much better circulation areas, and a far better view across the entire workshop.
We’re delighted with the results and invite everyone to stop by on a Sunday to see us. The team returns to the print shop on 12th January. See you then!
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