On Demand Printing at a Museum Near You

I was recently in Spain and visited The Prado Museum in Madrid. In the gift shop I found something surprising. You could order a “high quality” digital reproduction from The Prado and have it printed there while you wait.

A touch screen computer displays the images. You then get a choice of the following: Matte Paper, Canvas, Canvas on a Stretcher, and Canvas Stretched and Framed. Prices ranged from 10 Euros to 100 Euros.

This is a brave new world. I understand that The National Gallery in London has a similar set up. 

How long will it be before all museums start printing on demand? Is this good or bad for the printing industry? Please comment.

A Show, an Open House, and a Concert

It was hurricane season here at Spiel Associates. First The PRINT Show, which was a phenomenal success, and then our open house a few weeks later. Customers flipped over our automatic Rilecart B-599 in Chicago with the world’s first automatic cover flipper. We sold the show machine and have an order for another one.

At our open house, we touted that Spiel Associates is a 50 year old company: 50 years and still punching. Rocky was on the big screen as customers saw demonstrations of our Sterling Digipunch, Coilmaster Jr. and the new Sterling Digibinder Plus. Also on hand was the full line of Graphic Whizard creasers, folders, and UV coaters. We also demonstrated their new SCC Slitter, Cutter, Creaser.

Paul McCartney was giving a concert that day, ten blocks from our office at my kids’ school: The Frank Sinatra School For The Performing Arts. I missed it but my kids loved the show. Perhaps some of you will be able to attend our next open house in the spring.