Ivan the Mighty Press

Acquired from a closing printing equipment dealer in Detroit, the Chandler and Price letterpress machine (nicknamed Ivan) made his journey across the US/Canada border in February of 2020. He then became the perfect Covid project, and since 2022 has resided in a repurposed factory building in Cambridge, Ontario.

His serial number dates him between 1914 and 1915 and although he is over one hundred years old, the previous care and consistent maintenance is a testament to his longevity. Operated only by foot treadle, no electricity is needed to produce beautiful letterpress material.

He truly is the pride and joy of the business and without him, there would be no business at all. Hopefully the future holds plenty of room for more presses just like him.

Meet your Press Operator

Founded by Maxine Pasley, Iona Press is truly a dream career come true. With a Diploma in Graphic Design, the desire to explore letterpress printing came from touring a print museum while in college.

Inspired by vintage ephemera and design she creates modern designs with an aspect of simplicity, usability and lasting quality. Fascinated by typography, layout and paper stock the printing profession is the perfect fit for the detail-oriented designer.