In a building with the sounds of antique clanks and thumps, Laura Marr Printing in Westbrook does things differently."There was a time when everybody, every print shop had these presses, just because they were so durable, made so well, they were built to last." says Beth Payson, the owner of Laura Marr Printing.Their printing presses have lasted for decades. One machine was built in Cleveland, Ohio in 1898.The equipment isn't just for show. The presses power this shop's business."About 20 years ago there was a resurgence of letter press. It became more of an art form." Payson said. That process of letter press is the repeated direct impression of ink on a raised surface. Even today's most high tech digital printers, she says, can not truly replicate it."Now it is new. There's a whole new younger generation falling in love with letter press and foil," said Payson.Laura Marr is strictly a custom order shop and touts a notable list of clients including model Cindy Crawford, comedian Tiny Fey and the Academy Awards. Creating the most modern of print materials using what some might see as the most antiquated of methods, the company even still mixes its own ink.All puns intended, Payson says it's all about creating the right "impressions.""In order to get that look you have to have the old machines, there's nothing new in the market that can do it." she says.

In a building with the sounds of antique clanks and thumps, Laura Marr Printing in Westbrook does things differently.


"There was a time when everybody, every print shop had these presses, just because they were so durable, made so well, they were built to last." says Beth Payson, the owner of Laura Marr Printing.

Their printing presses have lasted for decades. One machine was built in Cleveland, Ohio in 1898.

The equipment isn't just for show. The presses power this shop's business.

"About 20 years ago there was a resurgence of letter press. It became more of an art form." Payson said. That process of letter press is the repeated direct impression of ink on a raised surface. Even today's most high tech digital printers, she says, can not truly replicate it.

"Now it is new. There's a whole new younger generation falling in love with letter press and foil," said Payson.

Laura Marr is strictly a custom order shop and touts a notable list of clients including model Cindy Crawford, comedian Tiny Fey and the Academy Awards. Creating the most modern of print materials using what some might see as the most antiquated of methods, the company even still mixes its own ink.

All puns intended, Payson says it's all about creating the right "impressions."

"In order to get that look you have to have the old machines, there's nothing new in the market that can do it." she says.