Faculty of Visual Arts Only Albion press in Sri Lanka restored to pristine glory

 A close-up picture of the 1898 Albion Press

The event also showcased the return of the Albion printing press to its former glory

The printer does not require any power for it to function, except the raw physical effort put into it

The press had gradually faded into obscurity at the university premises, until Shehan Fernando happened to chance upon its dust covered exterior

By Aakil Riyaz

At a day and age where we live with the idea of ‘out with the old, in with the new’, the Department of Printmaking, Faculty of Visual Arts, University of  the Visual & Performing Arts undertook the task of going the other way around. Under the keen eyes of Shehan Anton Fernando, Consultant (SAF Screen Tech- College of Screen Printing) & Visiting Lecturer at the University of the Visual & Performing Arts, a 1898 Albion Printing Press was officially recommissioned. 

To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Faculty of Visual Arts- Department of Printmaking hosted an event on August 4, 2025 at the University premises. The event also showcased the return of the Albion printing press to its former glory. Moreover, this also is the full restoration of the only Albion press in Sri Lanka. 

I consider it a personal triumph to have been able to contribute — with my own hands — to the preservation of the legacy of printing”

Shehan Anton Fernando, Consultant (SAF Screen Tech- College of Screen Printing) & Visiting Lecturer at the University

This specific type of printer finds its origins in London during the latter part of the Industrial revolution. Manufactured by Harrild & Sons in 1868 and exported from London to Western Victoria Coleraine, Australia (which was still under the British Crown). It was installed at the Coleraine Albion printing office, wherein it derived its name from. 

The components of the printing press comprise cast iron and steel, remnants of the Industrial Revolution which were produced in large quantities to meet growing demands. These printing presses were able to undertake letterpress printing etc. The overall structure of the Albion press is fairly self-explanatory, which also rings true the claim ‘simplicity is the ultimate sophistication’. Additionally, the printer does not require any power for it to function, except the raw physical effort put into it. 

Despite the history behind how the Albion press found its way into Sri Lanka being quite murky, it was upon Dr. H. A. Karunaratne’s request to the government during the latter part of the 1960s, that the press had been installed at the university premises. Over the years the press had gradually faded into obscurity at the university premises, until Shehan Fernando happened to chance upon its dust covered exterior. Gradually, over a period of 06 years, he began laying the foundation for restoring the press to its iron clad magnificence. Fernando was able to put his plan to action on February 21, 2025, where he began foraging for parts and searching out individuals adept in the restoration field. Following a tough period of 05 months, he was able to witness his dream of the restored press finally come true. 

To commemorate this euphoric achievement, an event was held at the University premises to recommission the restored press. Dignitaries such as Prof Rohan Nethsinghe: Vice chancellor of the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Dr. I.M. Thathsara Ilangasinghe: Dean of the Faculty of Visual Arts, Professor Chandraguptha Thenuwara, Prof. Susiripala Malimboda, Senior Lecturer K. Mahesh Tharanga: Head of the Department of Printmaking, Dinesh Mervyn, CEO of JDC Printing Technologies PVT. LTD (Committee member at Sri Lanka Association of Printers) along with Keith Schekkerman: a conservator of letterpress machines from Australia, graced the event and showcased their appreciation for the restored Albion press. 

“I consider it a personal triumph to have been able to contribute — with my own hands — to the preservation of the legacy of printing, preventing it from fading away and ensuring its continuity for decades to come for the benefit of future generations,” states Fernando.

The restoration and unveiling of this press represents a pivotal moment in the arts and culture sphere within Sri Lanka. Moreover, Fernando’s relentless quest to make his dream see the light of day is what set the restoration of this press in motion, thereby paving way for an entire generation to learn and engage with the intricacies of a 1898 Albion printing press.

Shehan Anton Fernando, Consultant (SAF Screen Tech- College of Screen Printing) & Visiting Lecturer at the University