The University of Sydney Library Printer in Residence Program is an acquisitive, 8 week residency, supported by payment of $10,000.

Fisher Library is the home to a printing workshop housing an Albion letterpress printer, affectionately known as the Piscator Press. The Albion printing press was purchased by the library in the early 1960s and it was the passion of former University Librarian, Harrrison Bryan. The workshop also houses a second, smaller printing press. A 3D printer is also available for use in the library.

The printing workshop is located on level 1 of Fisher Library on the Camperdown Campus and has a direct affiliation with the University Library’s Rare Books & Special Collections.

The Printer in Residence program is intended to increase awareness of the Piscator Press and to encourage an ongoing enthusiasm for book arts within the University. We aim to foster; a creative dialogue between print and digital processes, experimentation, and engagement with the library community.

The successful resident is encouraged to utilise spaces throughout the Fisher Library. They will also be required to produce a publication or artwork for the Library’s Rare Books and Special Collections as a contribution to the growing archive of artist’s books available in the Library.

The library would like to acknowledge the ongoing support of ArtScene and The Penrith Print Museum

Image: Piscator Press : an original pen and ink drawing of the improved Albion hand-printing press, by Allan Gamble. Sydney, 1964. RB 770.1 20.