Press Room – Fine Press Printer

Thornwillow is a printer and publisher of handmade, limited edition books. We do all of the design, typesetting, letterpress printing, and binding at the press in a complex of 19th-century buildings in Newburgh, NY. We believe that in this age of disposable communications and virtual relationships, beautifully made objects that are designed to last, matter. Thornwillow is one of the leading fine press publishers in the world. Our books are in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian, The Metropolitan Museum, and The White House. Our collectors and customers are based all over the world. We are an artisanal enterprise committed to teaching and perpetuating the related arts and crafts of the written word.

The Press Room

We are looking to hire full and/or part-time people to join our press room team. This includes letterpress printing, die stamping, plate making, folding, die cutting, and paper cutting. Most of our books are printed on a Heidelberg flatbed cylinder press, but we also have Vandercooks, C+Ps, and engraving presses that we run every day. Experience would be nice, but is not necessary.

We are prepared and happy to train. First and foremost, we are looking for enthusiasm and commitment to learning a craft we love. Being mechanically minded and enjoying working with machines is important. For a committed and enthusiastic person, there is an excellent trajectory for growth here at Thornwillow.

We have apprenticeship, part-time, and full-time opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Learn traditional pressroom operations and develop into a skilled craftsperson.
• Learn the arts of letterpress printing, polymer plate making, engraving, die cutting, ink mixing, scoring, folding, trimming, paper cutting, book sewing, paste paper making, edge staining, and envelope making.
• Learn to operate Heidelberg cylinder presses, Vandercook presses, Chandler & Price presses, engraving presses, Smyth sewing machines, and other traditional production equipment.
• Keep track of your work and participate in project planning, scheduling, and workflow throughout the studio. Update spreadsheets and production charts.
• Be responsible for the quality of your work and participate in quality control, including inspection and numbering of finished editions.
• Maintain and clean presses, tools, and production equipment. Keep the studio organized and clean, making sure tools are put back where they belong so they can reliably be found when needed.
• Arrive on time, prepared, and fully engaged in your work.
• Organize and file paper, plates, dies, inks, and production materials.
• Collaborate closely with the design, production, and bindery teams.
• Pitch in wherever needed across the studio during busy production periods.
• Learn to own not just the task, but the outcome.

Qualifications

• Mechanically inclined with an interest in how machines work.
• Patient, methodical, and attentive to detail.
• Organized, consistent, reliable, and kind.
• Eager to learn and receptive to instruction.
• Interested in books, traditional craftsmanship, and fine printing.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.

Experience in letterpress printing or related trades is welcome but not required. Candidates with prior experience are encouraged to apply and may progress through the training period more quickly. Most important is genuine enthusiasm for the craft, strong potential, and a desire to learn.

The Right Person

This is someone who enjoys making things with their hands and takes pride in careful, well-executed work. They are mechanically curious, dependable, patient, and committed to learning a craft. They understand that quality comes from consistency, attention to detail, and a willingness to master both the machines and the traditions behind them. Above all, they take ownership of their work and are committed to seeing every project through to the highest standard.

Compensation & Structure

This position begins with a training period (typically 3–6 months) at $160/day, with increases based on performance, ability, commitment, and level of responsibility.

Positions typically begin at 3–4 days per week, with the potential to grow over time.

For candidates with prior experience, compensation may be adjusted accordingly.

This is an on-site role at our Press in Newburgh, New York.

A Final Note

Thornwillow is one of the few studios in the United States where every aspect of fine bookmaking—from design and typography to printing and binding—is practiced under one roof. We are looking for people who are passionate about books, committed to craftsmanship, and eager to build a long-term career preserving the arts and crafts of the written word.