Black Rock Press

The Black Rock Press, named after an Applegate Trail landmark in the Black Rock Desert in northern Nevada, was founded in 1964 in Reno, Nevada, by Kenneth and Patricia Carpenter and dedicated to the practice and teaching of the arts and crafts associated with the creation of finely printed books. In 1971 the Carpenters donated their 1837 super-royal Columbian hand press to the University of Nevada Library. Two other 19th century presses, a Washington and an Albion, were later added. In 1975, Carpenter began teaching classes in the practice and history of printing. Through its instructional programs the Press introduces students to the graphic arts techniques and intellectual disciplines involved with the creation of books and related materials. Through the Press's program of publishing books, broadsides and portfolios, it seeks to create literary and artistic works of high merit in well-designed and crafted limited and medium-size editions. Most of the work is done at the press itself, using both traditional and contemporary craft methods.