1ChampagneSVP
The Officina Athelstane, known primarily on this forum for its edition of A Modest Proposal, is one of only a handful of Australian letterpress printers currently involved in the book arts. Its lease was just summarily cancelled by the Rockhampton Regional Council after fourteen years. Needless to say, this is a staggering blow. If you happen to be one of the members fortunate enough to possess The Officina Athelstane's edition of A Modest Proposal, if you otherwise enjoy Derek Lamb's work, or if you care about the future of Australian letterpress at all, I'd implore you to considering emailing Mayor Tony Williams to express your displeasure: mayor@rrc.qld.gov.au
The text of the notice of this sad event, shared by Derek last night, is as follows:
After 14 years of productive community association with the Walter Reid Cultural Centre, Rockhampton Regional Council Communities Comittee (led by Deputy Mayor, Drew Wickerson) has seen fit to cancel The Officina Athelstane's lease. There was no consultation in this matter and none of the elected representatives came to discuss it before making their decision to evict the press. I'm sure that they have no idea what letterpress is, or have any understanding of the book arts. As one of a handful of practioners in Australia and probably only one of two presses involved seriously in book arts, it is a heavy blow to the craft in this country. The press is not a money-making concern and was never intended to be. One book paid for the making of the next, and local writers and artists were involved in the process. A unique opportunity for everyone. However, the Council in their wisdom have thought fit to end the press. It isn't a commercial enterprise and needs a lot of space. At present, my only option is to store everything, and the community will miss out. I have no alternative and am disappointed that my home town sees fit to essentially cancel something that has brought recognition nationally and internationally to the city. If you feel strongly about this, please email: mayor@rrc.qld.gov.au and vent your displeasure. Please cc me! officinaathelstane@hotmail.com
The text of the notice of this sad event, shared by Derek last night, is as follows:
After 14 years of productive community association with the Walter Reid Cultural Centre, Rockhampton Regional Council Communities Comittee (led by Deputy Mayor, Drew Wickerson) has seen fit to cancel The Officina Athelstane's lease. There was no consultation in this matter and none of the elected representatives came to discuss it before making their decision to evict the press. I'm sure that they have no idea what letterpress is, or have any understanding of the book arts. As one of a handful of practioners in Australia and probably only one of two presses involved seriously in book arts, it is a heavy blow to the craft in this country. The press is not a money-making concern and was never intended to be. One book paid for the making of the next, and local writers and artists were involved in the process. A unique opportunity for everyone. However, the Council in their wisdom have thought fit to end the press. It isn't a commercial enterprise and needs a lot of space. At present, my only option is to store everything, and the community will miss out. I have no alternative and am disappointed that my home town sees fit to essentially cancel something that has brought recognition nationally and internationally to the city. If you feel strongly about this, please email: mayor@rrc.qld.gov.au and vent your displeasure. Please cc me! officinaathelstane@hotmail.com
2grifgon
I'd urge everybody to send Mayor Williams an email, however brief! Flood his inbox. It really can make a difference. My first job was as an intern in Congress, answering constituent emails. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Thanks for posting this Champagne!
Thanks for posting this Champagne!
3wcarter
I have sent an email. I agree with the sentiments of >1 ChampagneSVP:
5Tuna_Melon
Email sent.
Thank you for sharing this information in your post, and making it easy to email by including name & the email address for Mayor Tony Williams (plus Derek's email for the carbon copy).
>4 kermaier: I'm also not local by any means, but perhaps emails from other countries (I noted mine when emailing the mayor) may inform him of the gravity of this situation, that people care around the globe.
Sincerely,
Tuna
Thank you for sharing this information in your post, and making it easy to email by including name & the email address for Mayor Tony Williams (plus Derek's email for the carbon copy).
>4 kermaier: I'm also not local by any means, but perhaps emails from other countries (I noted mine when emailing the mayor) may inform him of the gravity of this situation, that people care around the globe.
Sincerely,
Tuna
7ChestnutPress
Sent also. Let’s hope this serious error of judgement can be turned over!
10CTPress-Tony
Sent an email as well.
