Label Type
Cultural/Historical ContextLabel
In the early twentieth century, printers were still pulling crude proofs from hand presses and simple galley roller presses that depended on gravity for the impression. In 1909, R.O. Vandercook was the first to develop a geared, rigid-bed cylinder proof press capable of providing the printing industry with high-quality proofs from metal types and photoengravings. His company’s reputation was built on technical innovation and quality construction, and for the next fifty years, Vandercook & Sons set the standard for proof press manufacturing in the U.S. and Europe.