04.03.041
Tiliqua Studio, Sydney, Australia
FAG Swiss Proof 40
Felix Oppen on the FAG Swiss Proof 40 ‹History
Press acquired early 2011 from another small print studio (that has since closed). I'm pretty sure it was not bought new by them either. Seligson & Clare (australia) Pty Ltd (1925-1992) were the sole distributors of FAG presses. I suspect that it may have been manufactured in the early 1970s but I have proof of this. I have no other history of this machine. As you can see from the photo at some point in it's life it was painted black.
Condition
Not bad given its age. Shows significant wear and tear. The rubber rollers have clearly been replaced (and I probably need to do so again). The ink scraper below the powered roller is very worn and not functional. Otherwise, it works well enough for my use.
Use
Currently it is not heavily used. I worked as a communication designer for several decades and have moved 'across' into a life as a(n artist) printmaker and that's the milieu in which it is now used (and also to create the posters for some of the shows in the gallery we also run). For some of the work the press is pushed to the limit of is capabilities with close register multi-colour work, and it copes well.›
About this press
Serial number
Originally delivered to
Unknown
With current holder since
2011
Equipped with
ME / Two speed power driven inking system with ink drum. Normal speed for printing. Acceleration for ink distribution and wash-up.
SSL / Quick action lock up bar, to block mounted plates and composition on machine bed.
More info about the press
About Tiliqua Studio
tiliqua studio is a combined art-making and printing space that is the permanent creative home of Felix Oppen (who really should get his website happening) and Kate Riley. They are more than happy to share the space, and their two presses (one etching press and one letterpress) with others. The studio began (in it’s first iteration) in Hutchinson St, St Peters (there is still a sign on the wall there) in 2010 as a art-making space and co-work design studio. The studio moved to it’s current location in Enmore in early 2022 where the gallery space was opened.