Bill H Ritchie

Halfwood Press Encyclopedia: Of people, presses, and stories Bill H Ritchie

This encyclopedia has over 600 pictures and 250 stories from around the world about the Halfwood etching presses, including art and testimonials by the people who own them. In 2004, Bill Ritchie, the designer of the Halfwood etching presses, wanted to make an etching press that was beautiful and functional. After seeing the prototype, the designer remarked how beautiful it was and how he wished he had a model of it to put on his mantel. Consequently, the builder/maker delivered a quarter-scale model of the press a month later, launching the Mini-Halfwood Presses. With his Mini-sized Halfwood press, Bill was able to take part in art fairs and workshops anywhere. People were drawn to his printmaking demonstrations. Orders for presses came and a business was developed. Over twelve years, people from all over the USA and over twenty countries around the world ordered presses. With his partner's help, the Mini Halfwood Press design expanded from the six-inch-wide bed of the Mini to a twelve-inch and sizes in between. Three years in a row, Bill and the team were awarded Silver Awards from the international Italian A'Design Awards and Competition in Milan. This book was made possible by the merging of people worldwide who love prints, printmaking, and print collecting.

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