Robert Smail's Printing Works Travel Guide

Robert Smail's Printing Works stands as a remarkable testament to the art and industry of letterpress printing from the Victorian era. Established in 1866, this printing shop operated continuously until 1986, producing newspapers, business cards, tickets, posters, and stationery for the local community. The building itself, located on Innerleithen's High Street, retains much of its original character, including Robert Smail’s office, which remains largely unchanged since the 19th century. Visitors step into a time capsule, witnessing the tools, furniture, and documents that shaped the daily life of a Victorian printer.

The printing works is not just a static museum but a living, breathing workshop. It houses three working presses, including a pedal-operated press, the historic Wharfedale Reliance machine from the 1870s once powered by a water wheel, and a 1952 Heidelberg Platen press. Guided tours offer visitors the unique opportunity to see these machines in motion, demonstrating the intricate process of hand-setting type and printing before the digital age. The walls are lined with shelves of metal movable type and 52 guardbooks, showcasing an extensive archive of printed materials produced over a century.

Visitors are invited to try their hand at typesetting in the Caseroom, learning how printers arranged individual letters into composing sticks to form words and sentences. This interactive element brings the craft to life, making it accessible and engaging for all ages. The museum also features a paper store and a stationer’s shop where guests can purchase cards, postcards, calendars, and prints created using the original Victorian and Edwardian equipment, blending historical appreciation with tangible souvenirs.

Since its acquisition by the National Trust for Scotland in 1986, Robert Smail's Printing Works has been preserved as a vital piece of Scotland's industrial heritage. It offers insights into the evolution of printing technology and the social history of the Scottish Borders. The site is protected by law, ensuring that this rare example of a working Victorian print shop remains intact for future generations to explore and appreciate.

The atmosphere within the printing works is immersive and evocative, with the scent of ink and paper filling the air. The guided tours, lasting about 90 minutes, provide detailed narratives about the printing process and the family business that ran it. The shop and office spaces add authenticity, with period furnishings and original documents that tell stories of local commerce and community life. The experience is both educational and nostalgic, appealing to history enthusiasts, families, and those curious about traditional crafts.

Robert Smail's Printing Works also welcomes school visits, offering educational programs that align with curriculum goals. Volunteers play an essential role in maintaining the site and delivering tours, fostering community involvement. The printing works occasionally hosts special events and workshops, enhancing its role as a cultural hub in Innerleithen and contributing to the preservation of printing heritage in Scotland.