Many of us. . .

now find ourselves hunkered down in safe spaces, isolated from friends, work, school, the community. Many in the letterpress community are turning their attention to printing as a diversion from the necessity and boredom of being socially distanced. I'm sure a lot of press room "round-to-it's" are getting checked off, and many great print projects are rolling off the presses!
Letterpress is, by it's nature, a solitary activity, practiced in garages, basements, barns, spare rooms; where ever space (and floor loading) can be conscripted from other home and life activities. But there's always one thing in short supply - time! Now, due to a major health issue and the need to mitigate it's risk, for awhile, at least, we've an abundance of time to be in our "shops", to sort, move, clean, dream and design. . . and print! By ourselves, nobody around, in our own universe, masters of our craft.
My craft and passion for 40+ years has been the acquisition and distribution of letterpress "things". Which is coincidentally the name of a neat little store in Western Mass. 6500+ square feet, the entire 4th floor of a New England mill building. And lately it's my socially distanced location; the place where I'm hunkered down for the duration. There are 3 other businesses near me, all closed. From the time I leave the house in the morning till my return end of the day, the only human interaction experienced is at a drive thru for a sandwich or a postal clerk when packages are posted.
For a decade now I've wanted to reorganize the "floor". Suddenly there's time. Started a few weeks ago, a new layout is almost done. Greatest change is the expansion of tabletops and counters; horizontal square footage to display lots more type, plates, supplies and "things". At a later time more detail and photos will be posted. It's nice to have the time to do this major project but, frankly, I miss our Open Dates, the interaction with so many of you. And yes, the sales! But we're seeing enough orders for “things” to keep the lights on. Please, please stay safe, stay positive!
JB