Start the Press

StArt The Press was an explorative project which took place 2014 – 17 to begin the process of recognising and recording the Isle of Thanet’s print industry, which at its peak employed c.2500.

The project is based around a growing archive of objects and ephemera from Thanet Press, Union Crescent, Martell Press, Cliftonville and other printers and printworks situated around the Isle of Thanet and dating back to the early 20th Century.

Through StArt the Press we were able to build on the archive we already had, make connections with former print workers, explore the interest of young people and assess the importance of this growing archive.

Following a successful application to National Lottery Heritage Fund we have been able to secure the future of these two important archives. See our project Print Works for more information

Thanet Press