A SPECIALIST in the traditional letterpress printing of stationery, has opened its doors to the public for the first time in the vintage inspired shop front and studio premises at Braithwaite House, in Chipping Campden high street.

Cherry Press had until recently operated from a small workshop which housed its precious printing presses, lovingly named Marigold - a Heidelberg 10x15 windmill, and Martha - a Crown Folio Arab, both of which are fondly maintained and cared for to safeguard their original condition and heritage.

Owner David Lewis said: “There is nothing as beautiful as the handcrafted quality of letterpress printing. Founded over five centuries ago, the letterpress printing technique originally utilised raised lead type to produce printed imagery. At Cherry Press, we believe in these techniques and practice the same principles using traditional machinery. When lovingly handcrafting stationery, we transfer the design into a photo polymer plate to obtain both great detail and a deep impression like no other process. To ensure the design sinks into the printed area, we have searched far and wide to source some of the best boards and papers available. Together, our techniques and high quality materials ensure designs have excellent definition to create a lasting impression. We look forward to wowing you with what we think is the most beautiful printing process in the world.”

Customers can see examples of the range of Cherry Press stationery, which includes full wedding suites, business cards and notebooks, plus an exciting new range of products that really are out of the ordinary; perfect gifts for all ages including apothecary jars, candles and key rings fashioned from old wooden letterpress type at the new shop which is open 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, and occasional Sundays and Bank Holidays.