This move indeed marks a turning point for the publisher, which has long operated in the shadows. “ We had neighbors on 14th Avenue who didn't even know we existed. “, confides Blake Riley, chief printer and creative director, to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Now located in Building B of Fort Mason, with a breathtaking view of the bay, Arion's new location offers an entrance opposite Greens restaurant, an emblematic place in the city.
A return to basics
Blake Riley, who has worked in publishing for more than 20 years, sees the move as “ a certain dose of poetry “. Arion's origins date back to the 1910s, with the founding of Grabhorn Press and M&H Type, two historic San Francisco institutions.
M&H Type arrived for the 1915 Pan Pacific International Exposition, held near Arion's new location. In 1989, Arion acquired the M&H type foundry, which continues to produce alloy letters using historic equipment today. “ It’s a beautiful moment of return to square one for the foundry, which returns to its origins », constate Riley.
Under one roof, craftsmen and typographers take care of each stage of manufacturing limited editions: font casting, typographic printing and binding. Beyond production, Arion also plays the role of curator of a rare heritage: “ We are the custodians of all this historic equipment and an irreplaceable collection of characters that represent a century of human effort and ingenuity “, emphasizes Blake Riley.
Arion Press, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has seen its notoriety increase in recent years thanks to its notable entry into the world of contemporary Art. During the Fog Design + Art Fair 2022, a pop-up installation created by designer Stanlee Gatti, now a member of the board of directors, highlighted the artisanal know-how of the house. “ We saw a huge increase in subscribers and a whole new art world audience », Notes Rolph Blythe, director of Arion.
The new space of nearly 930 square meters reflects Arion's new desire to share its history and expertise with the public. Designed by Jensen Architects, it includes bookbinding and typography workshops equipped with glass walls, allowing visitors to observe artisans at work. “ We moved 49 tons of equipment and 10 tons of lead “, Blythe explained. There were many logistical challenges, with some machines having to be installed from windows.
The space also includes a gallery and bookstore, in partnership with Park Life, to showcase past and present Arion editions. These limited edition artist books, blending classic texts and contemporary works, embody meticulous attention to detail.
Despite the digital age, Arion remains faithful to its commitment to craftsmanship. “ We defy the digital age by remaining entirely analog “, says Blythe bluntly. On the occasion of its half-centenary, the publisher launched a special edition of Fables of Aesop, updating their morals with the help of Daniel Handler and 15 contemporary artists.
Photo credits: CC BY 2.0/Brian Smithson
By Clotilde Martin
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