Graphic Arts Technology

The term "graphic arts" is used by the Canada Science and Technology Museum as an all-inclusive term for the technology and processes employed in the creation, duplication and transmission of text and illustrations in printed form for the purpose of mass communication. Fundamental to the dissemination of knowledge and the basis of our current level of intellectual, scientific and technological development, the graphic arts in Canada have played an ongoing role in the cultural and economic development of the nation. In Canada, the story began with the first use of the printing press at Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1751 - three hundred years after Gutenberg´s introduction of the same technology in Europe. Other chapters in the story include the introduction of photography to Canada in the 1840s and moving pictures during the 1890s.

The ubiquitous nature of the graphic arts has resulted in links with other curatorial areas at Canada Science and Technology Museum that have effectively increased the Museum´s ability to preserve and interpret a broader perspective of the technology.

Primary Divisions and Guiding Principles

The curatorial subject area Graphic Arts Technology is comprised of the following subjects:

• printing and typesetting
• bookbinding
• photography
• film
• reprography
• office technology

The Canada Science and Technology Museum holds the only comprehensive graphic arts collection in Canada. It has the mandate to represent all aspects of the technology and processes in these subject areas based on Canadian invention, manufacture or use of technology that have contributed to the social and economic development of the nation.

The integration of printing and typesetting, bookbinding, photography, film, reprography and office technology relates to the creation and growth of commercial graphic arts industries in Canada as performed by print producers and supporting supply industries since the introduction of commercial printing to Canada in 1751. Growth and sophistication of the business sector during the 19^th century resulted in the creation of specific technologies designed for the work place. From pencils and typewriters to duplicators, many of these advancements were based on earlier industrial applications.

Of particular importance to the development of printing industries from the latter half of the 19^th century was photography. In the case of both still and motion photography, the commercial and amateur use of the technology established a symbiotic relationship resulting in ongoing technological development and transfer affecting Canada both socially and economically. The development of research and collections therefore takes into account industrial, professional and amateur applications.

The artifact collection related to the printing industries originates from a wide spectrum of Canadian commercial printers, typesetting houses, newspaper printers and binderies. Collections related to photography originate from prominent Canadian commercial and amateur studios, universities and archives as well as individual donors. In both cases, the Museum´s holdings consist of more than strictly representative technology such as presses or cameras. They include the hundreds of specialized tools documenting specific processes that must be preserved in order to fully understand the technology.

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