Stereotype plates, invented by William Ged, Edinburgh goldsmith

Stereotype plates are cast in metal from a mould and used for printing pages. These two lead plates were invented by William Ged around 1727 and were used to print the 1744 edition of 'Salust'.

The title page of the work 'Salust' has a Latin inscription which translates as, 'William Ged, goldsmith of Edinburgh produces this, not with movable type as is usual but with cast metal plates'.

Ged, an Edinburgh goldsmith, is said to have invented the stereotyping process but had no capital to exploit it. He went to London in 1729 in partnership with W. Fenner, a stationer. However, his new invention was strongly opposed by traditional printers.

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Online ID:	000-100-002-506-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland H.MP 51
Date:	Around 1727 c. 1727 - 1744 c. 1727 - 1744
Material:	Lead Lead
Dimensions:	110 mm x 60 mm 110 mm x 60 mm
What:	Plate, stereotype Plate, stereotype
Subject:	Tools, implements and miscellaneous (NMAS Classification) Tools, implements and miscellaneous (NMAS Classification)
Who:	Salust Salust William Ged, Edinburgh (Maker) William Ged, Edinburgh (Maker)
Where:	Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
Event:
Description:	One of two stereotype plates of lead, invented by William Ged, c. 1727, used to print the 1744 edition of Salust One of two stereotype plates of lead, invented by William Ged, c. 1727, used to print the 1744 edition of Salust
References:	Dalgleish, G. & Maxwell, S. The Lovable Craft 1687-1987: An Exhibition to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Royal Charter of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh. NMS: Edinburgh; 1987 p 36
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