In the early 20th century, printers were still pulling crude proofs from hand presses and simple galley roller presses that depended on gravity for the impression.

In 1909, R.O. Vandercook was the first to develop a geared, rigid-bed cylinder proof press, a machine capable of providing the industry with high-quality proofs from metal types and photoengravings.

The company’s reputation was built on technical innovation and quality construction, and for the next fifty years Vandercook & Sons set the standard for subsequent manufacturers in the U.S. and Europe.

In the 1960s, when offset lithography eclipsed letterpress as the leading commercial printing method, printers began decommissioning their letterpress equipment (often giving it away).

As a result, Vandercook presses began to be adopted by artists and hobbyists for short-run edition printing due to their ease of operation.

Now widely found in art schools and book arts centers, Vandercooks are arguably the press of choice for fine press printers and book artists.

via Vandercook Time Line – Vanderblog.