Printing has been hailed as the most important technology of the industrial age. The Roaring Dragon Press is a functional wooden printing press in a style we believe to be as close as any to that which Gutenberg used when he first introduced his techniques to Europe and ushered in the age of printing as we know it around 1451.

As no original presses from those early years have survived in any form to the present, we have only woodcuts and descriptions to go by. This press is an original design based upon the considered research and construction efforts of Gordon "Sully" Sullivan, a master printer, and Richard Hicks, a master woodworker who completed the press in 1983.

The press continues to be available for demonstrations to the public by Sharon, Sully's daughter, adding a pleasing ambience to several Renaissance faires and trade events, as well as traveling to schools to provide interactive historical printing demonstrations for students.

Sully's passing in 2008 carried the remainder of the tradition he created to his daughter, including a replica of a Franklin press, and a number of 19th century iron presses. Arrangements for historical printing demonstrations can be made by emailing:

• Sharon Sullivan

Learning occurs as we play and interact with our environment with genuine curiosity. It is a pleasure which reinforces itself as a lifetime gift.