Fine-printing expert speaks to Madden Library supporters
Peter Rutledge Koch, designer/printer of limited-edition books in the fine press tradition, will speak on “Why fine printing?” at the Jan.31 program of the Friends of the Madden Library.

Koch has been designing and printing books and ephemera since 1974, beginning his career in Missoula, Montana, with one platen press. Now settled in the San Francisco Bay Area, he has acquired an international reputation and several more presses working for clients and collectors ranging from major international research libraries to bibliophilic organizations and private collectors and publishers.

Between commissions, he designs, prints and publishes limited editions of ancient Greek philosophers, musings of maverick poets and images of world-renowned wood engravers and photographers.

When not working in his studio, Koch teaches the history of typographic design and printing on the Albion hand press at the University of California, Berkeley’s Bancroft Library Press.
Koch’s appearance in the Alice Peters Auditorium in the University Business Center begins with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by his presentation at 6:30. Reservations, due by Jan. 27, may be made by calling 278.5790. Nonmembers are asked to pay $2 at the door and students to pay $1.