These printing blocks were used for printing the Newman Brothers’ trade catalogue dating from around the 1920s. They represent four of Newman Brothers’ products: two breastplates and two backplates, which were in production mainly between the late 1890s and 1920s. Although breastplate and backplate designs went out of fashion, Newman Brothers’ handles remained in demand until they closed in 1998.
Copperplate printing (also known as engraved printing) uses extreme force to press paper deep into the engraved areas of a copper printing plate onto which a design has been etched or engraved. This creates an impression on the paper surface. Copperplate printing produces crisp, well defined images.
