Opportunities to acquire a genuine Wharfedale press are few and far between, making the sale of this fine example from the workshop of Justin Knopp of Typoretum particularly noteworthy.
Justin acquired the press in 2004 from David Esslemont, whose workshop was then based in mid-Wales. Over the past two decades the press has been used regularly and remains in full working order, with just one exception: the overhead flyer delivery system no longer operates reliably because the rubber strip onto which the grippers clamp has perished. In practice, this has proved little inconvenience, as Justin has successfully used the press without the overhead flyer delivery throughout his ownership.
The press has also benefited from thoughtful engineering improvements. A few years ago, Justin commissioned an engineer to manufacture replacement gears so that the inking rollers run in precise synchronisation with the movement of the bed. This modification eliminated the roller slur that had previously affected the press, representing a significant improvement in its performance.
The maximum sheet size is approximately 28 inches in length by around 23 inches in width, indicating that the press was designed for the traditional Elephant format (23 × 28 inches, or 584 × 711 mm). The printable area is correspondingly generous, extending close to the full sheet size while allowing sufficient margins for quoins, grippers and other furniture.
Power is provided by a substantial single-phase electric motor driving the press through a traditional flat belt with fast and loose pulleys, all of which are in good working order. The ink duct system is likewise fully functional. Inking is handled by two forme rollers together with a pair of smaller oscillating rollers set at angles across the ink plate to ensure smooth and even ink distribution.
According to David Esslemont, the date “1888” was once observed cast into the underside of the press. Although not independently verified, such a date would fit well within the period during which Wharfedale presses were reaching the height of their development.
The press is housed inside Justin’s workshop, measuring approximately 15 × 4 metres, with a strong timber floor and large double doors providing straightforward access. The doors are easily wide enough for the press to pass through, and Justin successfully repositioned it within the workshop using machine skates over hardboard sheets.
Outside the workshop there is a modest six-inch step down onto a brick-paved area. Although the driveway is relatively steep, the original delivery presented no difficulties: a HIAB lorry deposited the press directly outside the workshop doors, making installation a straightforward operation. These same access arrangements should facilitate removal by the next owner.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial and historically significant Wharfedale press that has remained in regular use and has benefited from careful maintenance and sympathetic mechanical improvements during its present ownership. For further details, photographs and information on how to purchase the press, visit the listing on the AMR Logan Press Marketplace.
