Johannes Gutenberg’s movable-type was quicker than the traditional woodblock printing. This paved the way for the rapid printing of the bible (“Gutenberg Bible”) which eventually placed the movable-type as an important “invention” in the early modern European period. The printing press even assisted Martin Luther in the quick dissemination of the infamous “Ninety-five Theses” or “Disputation on the Power of Indulgences” which shook the authority of the Catholic Church. Eventually, the technology of the press rapidly spread in the European continent. One of the figures who was influenced by Gutenberg’s invention was Christophe Plantin.

Plantin’s printing company was founded in the 16th century. The workshop (printing press) was established in his house in Antwerp, Belgium. During his time, Plantin was considered a major figure in printing, especially since he was constantly printing manuscripts in the humanities. 

Today, the once-upon-a-time workshop house and mansion is now a museum. The 16th century-printing technology and system is still functional. Once in a while, some documents/manuscripts are still being printed through the movable type. Now known as the Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nominated by City of Antwerp in 2002 and finally inscribed in 2005.

The museum was excellently curated. Entering from the first section ("the house") to the workshop itself was a walk back in the early modern era - the decorations, the arrangements of the furniture and the ambiance.

The museum houses a massive and impressive collection of 16th to 19th century printed collections - mostly manuscripts printed by Plantin and his son-in-law, Moretus. Some of the important collections in the museum are: the Biblia Polyglotta (printed between 1568 and 1573), Cornelis Kiliaan's Thesaurus Teutoniae Linguae (the first Dutch Dictionary), Abraham Ortelius' Theatrum Orbis Terrarum(the first printed atlas), a 16th century book of herbs called Cruydtboeckcollated by Rembert Dodoens, an anatomical book by Andreas Vesalius and Joannes Valverde, Simon Stevin's book of decimal numbers, 36 line Bible, Peter Paul Ruben's drawings and paintings, and a collection of Justus Lipsius works (most important work printed was his book of history).

For printing enthusiasts (book lovers as well), do not forget to visit the workshop. On a personal note, I found myself appreciating more the value of printed materials: its significance in the history of communication and information. According to the website of the complex, the workshop is the "heart of the mansion." It contains the two oldest printing presses in the world, dating from around 1600. The six other presses are still in working order.

More about the museum-complex, visit my blog.