In the 1960s, before the advent of computers and home printers, printing books and magazines was an expensive endeavour, feasible only in large quantities. For smaller publications like club newsletters and school newspapers, the stencil machine was a revolutionary tool.
The Durotype 62 stencil machine functioned as a compact home printing press. Using a typewriter without ink, one could type text onto a special stencil. This stencil was perforated in the typed areas. When placed on the stencil machine’s ink drum, the rotating drum would press ink through the perforated letters, creating copies on paper. This allowed for the multiplication of typed text efficiently.
Additionally, with a special drawing pen, it was possible to create line drawings on the stencil. Later models even allowed for the printing of rudimentary black-and-white photos. The Beatles fan club in the Netherlands utilised such a stencil machine to produce their fan magazine, “Hit Parade.” This magazine featured exclusive content, photos, and updates about the band, becoming a cherished item among fans.
Today, you can see the Durotype 62 stencil machine on display at the Beatles Museum in Alkmaar. This museum houses the second largest collection of Beatles memorabilia in the world, offering a fascinating journey through the band’s history and their impact on popular culture.
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