The day we had all been eagerly awaiting was finally on the horizon. The SPAM container, a custom 40-foot sanctuary for our beloved letterpress equipment and type material, was about to make its debut at the Atypi International Typography conference. The journey to this point was nothing short of an epic tale of , resilience, and a whole lot of grit!
The Genesis of the SPAM Container
The idea was born from a necessity for mobility and preservation—a way to transport our extensive collection of typography tools and presses without compromising their integrity. The vision was clear, but the execution was going to be a monumental task. As we inched closer to the conference, the pressure mounted. Our workshop schedule was published with just a couple of weeks to spare, turning our dream into an impending reality.
Challenges Along the Way
The weeks leading up to the move were fraught with challenges. Continuous rain and poor weather conditions made the task of transferring tons of heritage equipment into the container all the more difficult. If it hadn’t been for the tireless support of family, friends, and the typography community, the SPAM container might have remained just a lofty idea.
Working inside the container was no easy feat. We spent several dirty days freeing up the moving parts of the presses and bringing them back into commission. Every screw turned and each piece moved brought us closer to our goal, fueled by sheer determination and copious amounts of coffee.
The Day of the Move
Finally, moving day arrived, greeted by the familiar gloom of grey skies. Rick, with his 18-wheeler, pulled up as the tangible excitement mixed with nervous anticipation among the team. As the crane prepared to lift the hefty container, one question loomed large: Would the structural integrity hold? We held our breaths, watching intently as our months of hard work and planning were literally hanging in the balance.
The Moment of Truth
With a steady hum, the crane hoisted the SPAM container into the air, and slowly but surely, it was placed onto the truck bed. it was a success! The integrity of the container was uncompromised, and the presses inside were safe and sound. It was a moment of triumph, a testament to the resilience and teamwork of everyone involved.
Looking Ahead
As the Rick’s truck rolled out, en route to theQUT Creative Industries Precinctand inbound to the Atypi Typography conference, the reality sank in. The SPAM container was more than just a project; it was a moving testament to the art of typography and a symbol of our passion and perseverance. The workshops planned for the conference would now be able to showcase this art in a whole new light.
The anticipation of the SPAM container’s first journey might have been fraught with challenges, but it was also filled with moments of collaboration and victory. As we look forward to sharing our love for typography with fellow enthusiasts around the world, we can’t help but feel excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
For those attending the Atypi conference, the SPAM container awaits. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of letterpress printing, where every letter and every press tells a story. We can’t wait to see you there!