Decades ago, what newspapers dished out was literally hot news!
Those days, news used to be melting hot; at 180 degrees Celsius, when lead melts, it is cast into letters and lines of type.
Before it becomes news for readers' consumption, it turns into words through molten metal. In today's world of digital and offset printing, the fact that molds were prepared fresh for every news item still generates wonderment.
The molds once used are returned to the type magazine from where they can be reused later after melting it again.
A first
The Institute of Printing Technology and Government Polytechnic in Shoranur is going to get the first printing museum in the country. Set up as the first government printing institute in Kerala in 1967, the institution has 70 printing and related machinery and equipment which can be classified into the category of antiques that are museum-worthy.
The Albion press among them can be considered the king of the lot; the most modern printing tech for yore. An iron hand printing press, the Albion press belongs to the early 1820s and was known for its lighter weight, ease of use, and quicker, shorter pull than the other presses of the time.
Resembling a photocopier, it literally changed the way the world was going to print. The world first saw printed travel tickets and government documents through this printer. The printer housed at the Shoranur polytechnic is still alive and kicking. Tredil press that are also known as Platon machines followed the Albion press.
The evolution
Block making technology that allowed printing of photographs along with text developed gradually. Offset printing, a technique that involves transferring of an image from a metal plate to a rubber blanket or rollers before being printed on the receiving media, sounded the death knell for previous generation letterpress technology.
From mechanical composing and linotype & monotype to stereotype or rotary press, printing technology kept evolving. And, hot lead typesetting or offset, news today is still hot.
The museum that is getting readied at the Shoranur polytechnic will take you on a journey down the history of printing. The idea of a printing museum came up during the golden jubilee celebrations of the institute. The institute is also looking at the possibility of obtaining all the old machines from government presses in the state for the museum, said principal C Dinachandran.
How to reach
Nearest Railway station: Shoranur railway station (5.8km)
Nearest airport: Coimbatore (55km)
By Road: Shoranur is well connected by road. The institution is 5km away from the KSRTC bus stand.
Nearby places to visit
Must buy
Traditional Kerlaa Srees and dhotis from Kuthampully
Palm jaggery
Things to do
The rustic beauty of Shoranur and Ottapalam in Palakkad make them a favorite location of Malayalam movie industry – Mollywood. They are a ideal places to experience the village life of Malabar region.
Trekking, Museum/fort/place visit, Camping, Photo walk (village/forest)
Must eat
At Palakkad, a district that connects Kerala and Tamil Nadu, one can experience a rich mix of cultures from both the states. From dialect to cuisine, Palakkad serves an entirely unique platter compared to other districts in Kerala.
Ramasseri idli – your search for a king of idlis could end at Ramasseri, the land of idlis.
Murukku
Sweet Banana Chips
Lunch thali
Try this at home: Mathanga Mulakushyam
Plam toddy