The Urban Vintage Affair is proud to home a specialised selection of unique antique copper printing plates for home decor, and in this blog, we'll show you how to incorporate these pieces into your living space in creative and unexpected ways. Additionally, we'll provide background information on the history and traditional usage of copper printing plates.
The History of Copper Printing Plates
But first lets back track and let you know a bit of the rich history of copper printing plates that have been used for centuries as part of commercial printing process. These plates were first used in the 15th century for reproducing books and later for maps, lithographs, and other print media. These etched / engraved plates were and still are are used for intaglio printing.
Earlier engraved printing plates were also made from steel, which replaced many copper plates in the 1820's. Steel was used as it was much harder wearing, that could be used for thousands of impressions before signs of wear appeared. the use of steel also allowed much finer detail to be engraved. Overall steel was much more durable than the copper. However, the task of engraving on the steel became much more difficult due to the change in metal, necessitating changes in methods and finer, harder, tools.
Today we can be inspired with Intaglio Printing - In The Studio | Jackson's Art
The majority of printing plates sold by The Urban Vintage Affair are around 1920s and are in copper, with a few etched plates in 1800s. The plates were engraved with images or text, inked, and then pressed onto paper. Today, with the advancement of technology, copper plates are no longer used for printing, however, they have become sought-after pieces of art and decor.
Ways to Incorporate Printing Plates into the Home
Incorporating antique copper printing plates into your home decor is easy with many options. They can be used as wall art by mounting them directly on a wall or placing them in a frame. They can also serve as trivets or hot plates on a dining table, or as a unique tiles top for a coffee table or side table. Another way to use them is as a decorative coasters around the home.
Tips for Styling & Decorating with Printing Plates
When using antique printing plates as part of your home decor, it's important to consider the overall style and aesthetic of the room. For a modern look, arrange the plates in groups of 3s or 5s with clean lines and minimalistic borders and frames. For an alternative traditional look, use portrait images with ornate frames as alternative to antique oil paintings.
Another styling tip is to have the original printing plate and the image printed on paper side by side, especially effective when it contains some text and the image will be reviewed and legible
Creative Ideas for Using Copper Printing Plates
The possibilities are endless when it comes to using antique copper printing plates in home decor. Some creative ideas include using them as part of a kitchen backsplash, as a part of a mosaic, in a DIY lighting project, or as a unique flooring element. Many plates found today will be already mounted onto ink stained wooden blacks, these give a welcome of uneven depth and character when styled with unmounted plates. The key is to think outside the box and let your creativity guide you.
Collectible and rare plates can be signed pieces of artwork and any still containing some evidence of the original print paper attached from the print process.
Antique copper printing plates are a unique and versatile addition to any home decor. With a rich history and character, we now know these plates can be used in many creative ways and I hope this blog has given you inspiration on how to incorporate these beautiful pieces into your home and appreciate the beauty of a traditional medium in a modern context. Browse our uniques antique copper printing plate collection here and thank you for choosing The Urban Vintage Affair for your home decor needs.