Summary

Book 'The American Printer' published in 1906. It was a trade reference, collected by Archibald Gordon Maclaurin for his own reference library during his printing apprenticeship. Archie brought the book with him when he migrated to Australia in 1928, as books such as these were not available in Melbourne at that time. Archie had a personal interest in printing beyond the workplace and purchased material such as this to pursue his own interests.

Archie was born in 1904 in Westham London. He trained as a printer and sought work in Australia as there were few opportunities in England; he migrated on the 'Jervis Bay' in 1928. Before migrating he commenced negotiations with the general manager of the Commonwealth Bank Note Printing Branch Fitzroy, who assisted Maclaurin in securing employment at McLaren & Co Pty Ltd Colour Printers in Fitzroy. He then moved to Spicers & Depmont Printers and Stationers before an opening came up for a machinist at the Note Printing Branch, where he worked for 32 years.

He married Constance Duffell in 1934, who had migrated from England on the 'Narkunda' with her parents and brother in 1927. Her father and brother worked for the Note Printing Branch which facilitated their meeting. They had two children, Roger and Jocelyn and lived all their lives in Essendon.

Physical Description

Large hardcover book with 712 pages titled 'The American Printer' incorporating 'The International Printer'. It is full of advertising by printing suppliers and trade articles.

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