While museum staff have been on the hunt for a permanent home for the collection since 2023, the new deadline has “concentrated minds wonderfully”, according to Paul Nash, chair of the Norwich Printing Museum Trust.
He told Printweek: “We knew that we were going to have to leave Blickling at some point, although we had hoped that we might remain for a few more years. We are looking as hard as we can for a new building, ideally something large, suitable to display all our holdings, and in Norwich.”
Formerly known as the John Jarrold Printing Museum, the Norwich Printing Museum owns one of the country’s largest collections of historic printing equipment and typefaces, totalling around 150 tonnes of kit and material.
Just 15% of this collection is on display at Blickling. The stately home had always been intended as a temporary host venue; Norwich Printing Museum had relocated there in late 2019 following the flattening of its previous home, the old Jarrold & Sons printworks in Norwich.
“We’ve looked at a number of churches, but we’re also looking at commercial and former industrial premises,” said Nash.
Unfortunately, the churches seen by the museum team have not had suitable access to allow heavy machinery to come in and out.
“We need a space of around 350sqm, and we need a solid floor for most of that area, because of the large, heavy equipment, including presses up to five tonnes,” he added.
“Obviously, we’re looking for something in the centre of Norwich, with good access for the public, possibly some parking and the potential to build a cafe – all those things that a museum needs these days.”
The museum is run by a group of around 20 volunteers, many of whom are print veterans themselves.
Nash encouraged printers who would like to support the museum’s search for a new home to get in touch.
“The best way to help would be to suggest any suitable building – we’re very happy to look at suggestions,” he said.
“We’ve looked at half a dozen buildings in the last couple of months, and there’s only one that might be suitable for further thought.
“The other way [to support] of course, is to become a member – we ask for a small subscription, and it helps to fund our day-to-day activities.”
