The Linotype

Once hailed as the eighth wonder of the world, the Linotype holds a place in history as a machine that is significant not for changing how we communicate, but how fast we communicate. This ingenuous machine allowed one man to do as much as six men could do before.

Rendered obsolete by computers and desktop publishing, the revolutionary Linotype machine was soon regarded as obsolete as the horse and buggy. Owing to its significant weight and size, many of them survived untouched in the back rooms of small newspapers and printing shops.

As time goes on, the number of Linotype machines in the wild continues to dwindle. Many are sent to the scrap pile due to a lack of space, and a lack of interest from museums.

The Registry

I created The Linotype Registry to act as a central to record what machines remain, and what machines have suffered less fortunate fates. It is my hope that increasing visibility will help to increase interest in these amazing machines. As an owner, being able to find an out who owns a similar machines to mine helps when making repairs.