A NATIONAL print museum opens to the public in Dublin today. It features a variety of artifacts from the first half of the century, including linotype and monotype machines, wire stitchers, book sewing and paper machines and guillotines. The monotype keyboards include two of the first in Gaelic. There is also a pen ruling machine on which ledgers were drawn up.
Housed in the former garrison chapel at Beggars Bush Barracks, Ballsbridge, near the Labour History Museum, it is described by Mr Bob Sharpe, who restored the machinery for it, as "a living vibrant printing office of half a century ago".
Among the smaller items on display are examples of handmade paper, compositors' tools, old magazine and newspaper pages and indentures of printing apprenticeship from the early 1900s.
The President, Mrs Robinson, performed the official opening on Wednesday by unveiling a commemorative plaque and a ribbon fashioned from monotype tape.
The garrison chapel was restored and converted for the project with assistance from FAS. It was built in the 1860s and has had stained glass windows and a gallery installed to show off smaller pieces. The exterior of the building was sandblasted. There is a Victorian style coffee and gift shop. The project received donations and sponsorship as well as State grants.
Mr Sean Galavan, vice chairman of the National Print Museum Committee, said much of the material on display would have been lost but for the decision to open the museum.
It will be open over the weekend, 2 to 5 p.m., with guided tours. The admission charge, as an opening offer, will be £1 per person or £2 for families. After wards, it will be open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, 2 to 5 p.m.