Print Networks Annual Conference in Cornwall
A Report on the Centre for Printing History and Culture, Print Networks Annual Conference
Kresen Kernow, Redruth, Cornwall, 10-11 June 2026
Inspired by the industrial heritage of Cornwall, the theme of the 2026 CPHC/Print Networks Conference was ‘Print, Printing, and Industrial Heritage'. Cornwall, known for its rugged and ancient landscape, is steeped in history, which provides it with a unique and distinctive identity. From Bronze age trade, civil war, and the rise of Methodism, it is famed for its mining, fishing and farming industries and has been home to many authors, artists, inventors and industrialists. Much of this history was reflected in the first day of presentations, which focused on print and printing in the southwest and included talks on the publishing of science and industry in the region (Ian Maxted), paper making in Cornwall (Alastair Tinto), the area's Georgian printing trade (Charlotte Mackenzie), mining as represented in the region's newspapers (Lisa Philips) and colourful lithographic railway posters of Cornwall's Rivera coast (Sallie Morris).
George Cheshire, printer and bookseller, perhaps introduced printing to Cornwall when he set up his press in Launceston in 1719. From then, printing gradually spread around the county and began flourishing in the latter half of the eighteenth century in response to Cornwall’s industrial and commercial development, and an increase in communication and travel. The story of printing in Cornwall was explored in a carefully curated exhibition of the region's historic letterpress printing industry. There was a guided tour of the exhibition by Kate Rose who explained why it can be difficult to trace early printers in Cornwall, how she uncovered the stories of the early Cornish newspapers and the role of the female printers who kept Cornwall’s presses running.
The conference was not wholly dedicated to the southwest. Other talks ranged from and fun and colourful presentation of Victorian children's pop-up books (Ian Alcock) to the use of VR and AI in the presentation of museum artefacts (David Osbaldestin) from the importance of iron in the printing trade (Georgina Grant) and twentieth century printing substrates (Deborah Sutherland).
And what would a printing history conference be without the opportunity to do a little printing? Thanks to the Bristol Common Press, everyone had the opportunity to try their hands at lego printing and take away a little souvenir of the event.
It was a very diverse conference and the forty delegates from across the UK all welcomed the opportunity to visit a part of the country which is so often over-looked by such events. Our thanks go to Kresen Kernow (Cornwall Centre) the beautiful home of Cornwall's archives for hosting the event and conducting a fascinating behind the scenes tour of the archives. It was a truly memorable visit.
The full programme of speakers can be found here. Thanks to the Bibliographical Society for supporting this event.