Smails of Innerleithen visit to Kelso Library

Friends of Kelso Library held a very interesting event in Kelso Library on Tuesday 19th August. David Rudram, Honorary Archivist gave an illustrated talk on Smails Printing Works at Innerleithen. Taken over by the National Trust for Scotland in 1986, the print works have a fascinating display of the work they have produced.

David explained the processes involved in printing, it was interesting to hear that Upper case and lower case originated at the compositors bench. He brought along a facsimile guardbook containing copies of printed jobs, those provide a unique insight in to printing and social history.

Friends are going to follow this up with a visit to the Printing works on Tuesday 19th September at 2.30pm - anyone interested please contact Ruth Holmes at Kelso Library for details.