Association to host online glimpse into Paul Revere-era printmaking

Daniel Shays and Job Shattuck, who participated in Shays’ Rebellion in Western Massachusetts, are depicted in a woodcut or metal cut published in a 1787 edition of Bickerstaff’s Genuine Boston Almanack. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.

The discovery of an original 1770s cookbook with engravings by Paul Revere at Dresden’s Pownalborough Court House inspired the Lincoln County Historical Association to learn more about printing practices of the Colonial era. Their research led them to Andy Volpe, an artist, printmaker, and living history presenter, who plans to offer a glimpse into printing and drawing techniques of the time.

Lincoln County Historical Association’s free online lecture on March 7 features printmaker and living history presenter Andy Volpe. Submitted photo

In an online lecture at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7, Volpe will discuss the methods used by Paul Revere, William Burgis, Amos Doolittle, Nathaniel Hurd, and others in the production of newspapers, magazines, almanacks and books. Since much of the printing of the time related to the American Revolution and independence, those subjects also will come into the talk, according to a news release from Shannon Gilmore with the association.

The lecture is free, but advance registration is required at lincolncountyhistory.org. A suggested donation of $5 will help support LCHA’s ongoing history programming.

Volpe is a printer and living historian in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he studies and replicates the printing and drawing techniques of the Old Masters, covering circa 1450 to 1800. He works with Gary Gregory at the Printing Office of Edes & Gill Boston where he replicates the engravings of Revere, and creates commemorative work for the American 250th celebration.

He also works with the Museum of Printing in Haverhill and Worcester Art Museum and is active with several living history groups spanning Ancient Rome to American Civil War.