Masseeley instructions?

AthenaCauleyYu
on 5 Mar 26 (09:53)

A few years back I inherited a Masseeley Showcard Cold press that belonged to the wonderful Simon Smallwood. I’ve not used it at all, and have now accidentally acquired some amazing and beautiful metal type that will fit the press. Does anyone here have the instructions for using the press that they’d be happy to share with me? I’ve done a little digging and can’t find any full instructions, and would like to get it right so I can have a play.

I’d love to see some pictures of what can be made from the press as I haven’t found any images of that either. As I understand it contrasting paper is laid on top of card and the type squishes it together. Thanks so much Masseeley experts!

frank hemmings
on 5 Mar 26 (19:02)

Hi, where are you based? About 2 yeast ago I was given a cabinet with 4 or 5 drawers containing masseeley type of various sizes and various bits and pieces. I have been told that BBC tv used this method of lettering to produce programme credits at some time in the past.

AthenaCauleyYu
on 6 Mar 26 (06:40)

Hi Frank, I’m based in Bath. Are you in the vicinity? Love the idea of these being used for tv! Am excited to give the press a try at some point - once I know what I’m doing.

frank hemmings
on 6 Mar 26 (07:05)

Hi, well I am not a million miles away,
I’m just out side Dorchester, Dorset.
The type is in storage at present, so I will need to retrieve it. I will see if I have some pictures and will email them to you.

AthenaCauleyYu
on 6 Mar 26 (10:47)

That would be amazing, thank you!

frank hemmings
on 6 Mar 26 (15:45)

Here is a photo of one of the drawers of cutting type to give you an idea.

Masseeley letters 1.jpg

platenprinter
on 9 Mar 26 (13:29)

Updated 10 Mar 26 (11:49)

Masseeley had two systems, cutter crush where the brass plates cut the letter shapes and hot foil plates fixing white tape onto a black card.

I have a collection of the hot plates which I use for letterpress printing sticking the plates onto a base with double sided tape.

The BBC had a number of Masseeley presses for titling their films. There was a greater range of faces with the hot plates.

Looking at old BBC productions on You Tube shows some of the type faces.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/160661384@N06/45457791464/

AthenaCauleyYu
on 11 Mar 26 (05:54)

Thanks for the link, great to see some more information on the workings of the press. I’ll have a go with what I’ve got and see if it works.

platenprinter
on 22 Mar 26 (13:37)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CmXDBC5LLiD/