The centerpiece of Aviary Coworking’s workshop is our 1959 Vandercook Press. There was a small pilgrimage to Portland, OR to pick it up in 2021. We also took the opportunity to tour several coworking spaces to see what cool ideas we could adopt for ourselves; we’ve always got a list of things we want to try next.
The press had been a long-term love of a design professor from the University of Portland. In its prior life, it printed both art pieces and protest posters; a legacy we will be cheerfully continuing. For any activists in the St. Louis area, we’re willing to do a short run (10) of posters for any liberal causes! Give us a call or email us at info@aviarycoworking.com to inquire. We’re also taking commissions for larger runs and are happy to talk pricing.
For Aviary members, the press is available to use! Mat will take you through its operation, then you can reserve time and create your own masterpieces.
Not an Aviary member? That’s okay. You can still rent time on the press for whatever you want to create. Contact us for more information.
Services
We have a large selection of available type to make custom letterpress prints for clients.
We primarily make hand-set lettered 13″ x 19″ posters but can make smaller pieces like invitations and business cards. We usually turn projects around within a week but this can vary based on scope. Since this is a hand run press, we limit the number of prints to less than 100.
The Press
- Vandercook Universal I Proof Press
- Manufactured by Vandercook & Sons, Inc. in Chicago, Illinois in 1959
- Moved from Portland, Oregon to St. Louis in 2021
- Can print on paper up to 15.25″ x 24″ with a build area of 13″ x 22″
Community
We have plans to make the press available to qualified local users on a rental basis in addition to access to Aviary Members. We support local groups with free posters for worthy causes. Contact us if you are interested or have questions.
