Print History Timeline

By saulsbr
  • Jan 1, 1041

    Pi-Sheng

    Pi-Sheng
    Chinese scribe, Pi-Sheng develops type characters from hardened clay. Why is important!
    These characters would later lead inspiration to the creation of type.
  • Jan 1, 1440

    Gutenberg

    Gutenberg
    Gutenberg introduces printing with ink on paper on a converted wine press. Why is important!
    This was one of the very first produced printed graphics.
  • Jan 1, 1494

    First Paper Mill

    First Paper Mill
    The first paper mill is built in England. Why its important!
    Because paper was being mass produced, more things could be printed.
  • Jan 1, 1535

    First Printing Press

    First Printing Press
    The first printing press of the new world is established in Mexico.

  • Oxford University Press

    Oxford University Press
    The predecessor of the modern Oxford University Press is established. Why its important!
    The Oxford University Press is a large press located at Oxford University that supplies the school and general public with online as well as printed books.

  • Paper is manufactured

    Paper is manufactured
    Paper is first manufactured commercially. Why its important!
    Printed graphics are now spread world wide.

  • Ink Factory

    Ink Factory
    The first ink factory is established in America. Why its important!
    Ink could now be used widely in printed graphics.

  • Cutting across the grain

    Cutting across the grain
    Thomas Bewick develops the technique of using a special engraving tool for cutting across the grain instead of with the grain. Why its important!
    Could create a significantly finer detailed print on a piece of wood.

  • Photography

    Photography
    Photography is invented by Daguerre.

  • Steam Press for Lithography

    Steam Press for Lithography
    The first steam press for lithography is invented.

  • Linotype

    Linotype
    The Linotype is created by Ottmar Mergenthaler.

  • Monotype

    Monotype
    The Monotype is created by Tolbert Lanston.

  • Offset Rotary Press

    Offset Rotary Press
    The first “offset” rotary press is invented.

  • First Example of Printing

    First Example of Printing
    Evidence of the first example of printing from movable type found on the island of Crete.

  • Phototypesetting

    Phototypesetting
    Phototypesetting is introduced.

  • Fotosetter

    Fotosetter
    The Fotosetter is invented.

  • Photon

    Photon
    The Photon is invented.

  • Curing Vehicles

    Curing Vehicles
    Curing vehicles for inks and coatings is introduced.

  • Dgital Printing

    Dgital Printing
    Digital printing starts.

  • Laser Printers

    Laser Printers
    Laser printers are developed.