A NEW-SCHOOL LETTERPRESS SHOP
OUR PRINTING EQUIPMENT
c. 1962
Vandercook universal i
Initially designed to make proofs of lead type or other relief based plates before they were used for final runs.
Nowadays we use it to print wood type posters, teach workshops and rent out.
c. 1931
Vandercook 219 Old Style
Our oldest proving press. Use primarily for printing artwork 18"x24" or smaller.
c. 1950s
Heidelberg Cylinder Press
The big boy. This press has a max size of 15" x 20.5" and feeds paper automatically. We use it for quickly running medium-sized art prints and designs larger than 6x9" that requires a solid fill.
c. 1977
Heidelberg Red Ball Windmill
We have two! One is set up for ink and the other for foil. We can diecut, crease, and emboss on these too!
c. 1981
Challenge Champion Paper Cutter
Every peices of paper that passes through our shop is touched at least once by our paper guillotine.
c. 1950s
Challenge Paper drill
Our handy dandy paper drill. Foot operated to drill holes one at a time in various sizes.
OUR PRESS PEOPLE
THE OWNER
KATYA KISIN
Katya is the platemaking, production managing, graphic designer, and owner here at The Aesthetic Union. She felt rescued by the shop when she initially started as a platemaker and is honored to be keeping it alive, creating, and thriving for years to come.
THE PRESS OPERATOR
WILLIAM WHITE
William moved to the SF Bay Area in 1986 and has been involved in the commercial printing trade as a press operator ever since. Much of his time was spent producing wine & spirit labels in the Napa Valley. He is also a professional watchmaker, an amateur photographer and an avid musician.