Books were normally written by hand until the mid-15th century. Then in Germany Johann Gutenberg developed a process of printing books using movable type. The revolutionary new technique spread quickly throughout continental Europe. Book production increased and prices dropped.

An English merchant named William Caxton learned and practised printing in Cologne and Bruges. In 1476 he brought the art to England. Caxton printed about 90 books, 74 of them in English. Printing transformed the way people read, learned and exchanged ideas. It helped to standardise the English language. This exhibition demonstrates how Caxton paved the way for new typefaces, clearer page design, new methods of illustration and new genres. He is honoured today as the father of English printing.