28 July, 2026

Printing makes an impression on school holidaymakers

Type… Karen and Demi Hayne (2).

An 1833 Albion printing press came from Birkenhead to the Takapuna Library in the school holidays, giving children the opportunity to design and hand print their own emoji.
Inkiana Press owner Graham Judd and helper Dave Veart outlined the process of designing and printing the emoji using metal and wooden type, and the school holidaymakers eagerly set to work.
Judd has been a professional printer by trade since he left school, and runs the Inkiana business making wedding stationery, business cards and more. As well as running the printing press, he holds workshops over the school holidays and in schools throughout term time.
Veart, a well-known archaeologist and writer, and an amateur printer himself, says that since designs for printing must mirror the desired outcome, emoj can be easier for children to design.
As well as learning about the craft of printing, everyone got to take home a print featuring their design.

Dave Veart (left) and Graham Judd at work as Hannah Hsiao (7) looks on.

Aneesha (8) and Alekhya (11) Nagisetty show off their finished prints.

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