Edinburgh Evening News case room

Category

Library Item

Item no

36582

Title

Edinburgh Evening News case room

Description

The picture shows the workings of the Edinburgh Evening News newspaper case room where the copy was set up and pages assembled for print.

Artist / maker

Henderson, John

Date

1945

Size

7.3 x 9.9 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Preparing text for newsprint in a 1940s 'case room' was a complex business. The copy was first set up using large typewriter-like machines which had pieces of molten metal attached. The typesetters typed lines of text which were cast into 'slugs' of metal. The type was then put in order in a metal tray. A paper proof was printed so that it could be checked for mistakes. The columns of text were then set in an iron frame to form the page layout with headlines, pictures and adverts. The completed page was tapped into place with a mallet and a block of wood. The pages were then inked and further proofs made for checking. A case room overseer was in charge of the smooth running of the process and department.

Watch a brilliant short video about work in a newspaper case room from Ireland's RTE Archives .

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Related subjects

Furnishings > Furniture > Chairs

Furnishings > Ornamentation > Light fixtures

Manufacturing Industry > Manufacturing facilities > Printing works

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh