Today was my last day at the Type Archive with Gerry Drayton and Duncan Avery. Gerry really put me through the paces again. I think we both were very tired from all the intensive work, but happy to be able to do it together.
I feel so very very lucky to have had such wonderful treatment from so many people, who helped me with my quest. I know that people went out of their way to help me in many different ways … and for that I am grateful beyond words. This has been a journey of tests and trials, and work, and as in the previous blog entry the angels of Typography, Art and Culture have been blessing me for not abandoning the struggle.
I went to the Hand & Eye letterpress shop today on my way home, after work, at the Type Archive, meeting Phil Abel and seeing again Nick Gill. They let me look around and talk about type related things and English Jazz. (When I came to England in 1978, before meeting Dan Carr in Boston, I spent a month going around England following the English rock and Jazz scene, staying up late to catch the mail train home, listening to musicians such as Keith and Julie Tippets, Louis Mohole, Dude Packawana, etc.)
I headed home a new way through the neighborhood around Pinchin Street in London, and got back to islington/Highbury to buy some quiches, tarts, and bread to have for dinner with Chris Rule. Chris is an avid amateur archeologist and type nut, with lots of interesting bits of historic knowledge.
Tomorrow is my last full day of my journey and I have the day off and Chris will take me to the French district in London and to some museums. My unlimited tube pass is good for another day or so, therefore we can travel about the city easily.
I took apart the 42-point mould on the Super caster and put on the parts for 72-point mould insert, with all the parts that needed changing, bridge off, etc. Thank you Gerry, Duncan and Sue Shaw for permitting me to work at the Type Archive. What a gift.