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History of the Press

A privately owned, not-for-profit enterprise, The Press of Appletree Alley, named by Press associate Mary Chenoweth Stratton, was established in 1981 by artist/printer Barnard Taylor in a converted garage located on Appletree Alley in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. The first publication, Gowpen, appeared the following year. Barnard and his associates have consistently followed the historic letterpress tradition. Every book is typeset by hand, hand printed on hand or mould made papers, and hand bound. The aims of the Press were articulated early on: achievement of a highly professional standard of craftsmanship; creation of imaginative, distinctive designs; and exploration of production methods. The objective of founder Barnard Taylor was to print fine writings not commonly available in a style which enhanced the intent of the authors. Every limited edition was to be a vehicle of both artistic and literary expression.

After twenty years of printing, the Press is now losing its major creative force. Reluctantly, because of Barnard Taylor's increasingly impaired eyesight, the Press of Appletree Alley will close its doors early in 2001. Sandy Point is the last Appletree Alley imprint.

-Based on history of press by Ann de Klerk, Press Associate, August 2000, and 10th Anniversary Keepsake, by Barnard Taylor, Proprietor, May 1992

Press of Appletree Alley Exhibits