I recently acquired an Adana hand printing machine and am in the process of getting to grips with it. I’m hoping to print my own Christmas cards this year, but would need to have a plate made of my design. Do you know of anyone who offers this service?
‘S’, via email

Ooh, a lovely little Adana. I really am most envious. My first port of call was the font of all knowledge for everything Adana-related, that being Caslon (01727 852211, www.caslon.co.uk) in St Albans. The company bought the Adana business in 1987 and still supplies refurbished machines to users all over the world. Caslon also has a beginner’s kit with all the bits and pieces required to get going in letterpress printing, which may be of interest to you too. Unsurprisingly, your request is something that comes up frequently, so Caslon has put together a list of ‘blockmakers’ who can make blocks and plates for the press, which I reproduce here: AJ Engravers of Chatham (01634 685012); Blinford Graphics in Walsall (01922 495292, www.blinfordgraphicsltd.supanet.com); The Block Shop in Speke (0151 486 2821); CP Engravers in Caerphilly (02920 888774); Centurion Graphics in Preston (01772 610666, www.centuriongraphics.co.uk); Interdart 88 in Slough (01753 539598); KPE Graphics in Kettering (01536 522 957); Peacock in Berkhamsted (01442 872956); and Studio Tone in London (020 8980 4242). I’m also going to point you in the direction of the British Printing Society (www.bpsnet.org.uk), the ‘spiritual home’ of small and hobby printers, who should be able to offer you some advice. The society has local branches around the country and holds various events, including an annual conference, where members get together and share expertise (and there’s usually a sale of surplus equipment). If you look in the letterpress section of the society’s website, you’ll also find a link to a detailed description of printing with a hand platen such as the Adana too, part of the organisation’s ‘introduction to printing’. Hope this helps, and happy printing. I look forward to receiving a Christmas card!