Experience the Magic of a 19th Century Printing Press Through RIT’s Immersive VR App

At a Glance

RIT’s virtual reality app lets users operate a digital replica of the historic Kelmscott/Goudy Albion Press from 1891.
The immersive VR experience includes realistic audio effects that replicate the authentic sounds of the printing press mechanisms.
Users can perform the complete printing process by grabbing a virtual brayer, inking type, and pulling the press handle.
The app is available for download through Steam and works with HTC Vive hardware for full immersion.
Created through collaboration between RIT’s 3D design program and Cary Collection, the app was recognized in Epic Games’ 2023 showcase.

Experience the Magic of a 19th Century Printing Press through Rochester Institute of Technology‘s groundbreaking virtual reality app that transports users back in time. This isn’t just any old press – it’s the legendary Kelmscott/Goudy Albion Press built in 1891, once owned by William Morris himself (yeah, that Morris of Arts and Crafts fame) and later by American typography guru Frederic Goudy. Talk about printing royalty!

Step into the 1890s and operate a legendary press once owned by Arts & Crafts icon William Morris himself.

The folks at RIT have created something truly special using Epic Games’ Unreal Engine and HTC Vive hardware. Students and faculty worked together to transform ultra-high-definition scans into a digital replica that actually lets you operate this historical beast. The immersive experience provides users with realistic audio effects that enhance engagement with the historical technology. Through experiential learning methods, visitors gain a deeper understanding of historical printing processes. Imagine grabbing a virtual brayer, inking up the type, and pulling the rounce handle just like printers did over a century ago. The satisfying clunk of the press mechanisms comes through crystal clear thanks to those spot-on sound effects.

What’s especially cool is how this app democratizes access to super-rare artifacts. Not everyone can fly to RIT’s Cary Graphic Arts Collection (where the real press lives), but now anyone can experience the press that printed *The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer* – a book that basically redefined what beautiful printing could be. This virtual experience honors the technological evolution that began with Gutenberg’s invention, which dramatically increased production capacity to 3,600 pages per workday compared to just 40 by hand-printing. There’s even a spectator mode where friends can watch you fumble through your first printing attempts!

The project represents a decade of collaboration between RIT’s 3D digital design program and the Cary Collection. Students gained real-world experience while helping preserve printing history – talk about a win-win! The app has already earned recognition in Epic Games’ 2023 Academic Partner Student Showcase.

Whether you’re a typography nerd, history buff, or just someone who appreciates cool tech, this VR experience bridges the gap between 19th-century craftsmanship and modern interactive learning. Who knew that preserving the past could be so cutting-edge?

The simulation is available through Steam, bringing this printing treasure to a global audience of curious minds.