Museum Opens With a Graphic Display

For collectors interested in printing’s history, its associated machinery and the field of graphic arts, the International Museum of Graphic Communication in Buena Park, which opened Oct. 4, appears to hold great promise.

The 25,000-square-foot facility contains “the world’s largest and finest collection of printing machinery,” according to the museum’s curator, Daniel Streeter. He wrote that it was his hope that the institution, which includes the Ernest E. Lindner Collection of Printing Machinery, would “become a center for graphic communications and a place for the public to become educated on the vast facets of the printing industry and its influence in their lives.”

On display is an 1810 Stanhope Press, the oldest all-metal press in North America, plus 19th-Century newspaper presses, according to a museum statement.

The museum also will feature graphic arts displays describing wood engraving, papermaking, bookbinding, calligraphy and limited-edition book publishing.

Most of the museum’s material comes from the collection of Ernest and Harriet Lindner. Ernest Lindner is a Los Angeles-area printing executive, and he and his wife have spent more than 30 years restoring historical printing machinery.

Principal underwriter for the museum is David Jacobsen, a Santa Ana printing executive.

Mark Barbour, the assistant curator, said the museum conducts public tours, and special touring days can be set aside for schools.

Barbour described the collection as “rather exciting, overwhelming. . . . You see the contribution that printing has made to society.”

The museum is at 8469 Kass Drive, Buena Park, about a mile from Knott’s Berry Farm. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Admission: adults, $3; children 12 and under, $1. Free parking. Telephone (714) 523-2070.

Mailbag

Responding to a recent column on paper collectibles, Rick Shnitzler of Pennsylvania writes that “I collect, buy and sell original automotive brochures, manuals, photos and other items issued originally by automotive manufacturers, 1900- 1980. I am especially interested in purchasing sales brochures picked up in visits to dealers’ showrooms and the annual International Auto Show in Los Angeles.”

His address is Box 521, Narberth, Pa. 19072; telephone (215) 664-8227.