It was saved from an uncertain future by enthusiasts and although restarted by volunteer labour and management, has run out of money to pay for equipment storage of museum pieces.

There are five locations where the collections are in store. Two of these have been no charge until recently but now require payment of substantial rent or the collections must move out.

Printing Industries says the museum has had to lease additional storage to accommodate this material, but is unable to pay the rent. The rent started in May 2008, following two months rent-free.

The museum board struggled to pay the rent and because the existing support budget could not be increased, the museum has had to borrow against future months’ regular rent payments. This of course is an unsustainable situation.

The museum has the potential to provide valuable insight into the practises, and working lives, of traditional typesetters and printers and the rise and fall of the various methods of printing and the competing technologies.

Printing Industries says with sufficient support, not only will the museum enhance Melbourne’s position as a city of culture, design and learning but also its potential to be an important feature of Melbourne’s educational and tourist landscape.

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