MakerBot Thing-O-Matic
Is it wrong that I’m more freaked out than excited about 3D printing?
A rapid prototyping machine used to cost tens of thousands of pounds. Now you can get a Thing-O-Matic from MakerBot for £800 and have your own desktop version.
Of course the technology is amazing - I’m always breaking my glasses, imagine just being able to print out a new part for them in my kitchen. But I can also imagine a not-too-distant future where you don’t need shops any more, just print out whatever you need. I’m not sure that’s a good thing.
I’m at college at the moment studying furniture making and one of the reasons for choosing this (apart from a mid-life crisis) was to learn a craft - a skill that couldn’t be undermined by the digital world. And soon you’ll be able to just print out a chair?
I normally welcome the advancement of technology especially technology which would democratise something like manufacturing but, I don’t know, I’m a bit scared.
And that’s before we can print out food and body organs.
Candlemaker Row circa 1900
A local told me that the pillars had been added to the front of our shop in the ’60s but I just found this photograph from 1900 on Scotlands Places (which is a great site by the way). Our shop has the asterisk next to it and the pillars are there.
I love those smaller buildings in the foreground. They’ve been demolished - probably not long after this photo was taken as they look pretty dilapidated.
There’s also a great book called Cassell’s Old and New Edinburgh which has lots of references to murders and general skullduggery taking place in Candlemaker Row
We have to thank the boys at Superclub for letting us store a whole heap of wood/plan chest/screen printing gear at their place.
Look out for the opening of their gallery with an exhibition by Lachlan Rattray on Friday 11th March from 7-10pm
KEMISTRY GALLERY
I’m a big fan of Saul Bass and a big fan of Kemistry Gallery.
And look what their next exhibition is.
NOW OPEN
Well, we finally got open in our new location. Come down and say hello.
We’re not quite finished - still some painting to do and some signage would be good I guess. Although we’re thinking of keeping the ‘Joys’ above the door. What do you think?
I’ve posted a couple of snaps to Flickr
WE ARE MOVING!
Happy New Year folks!
Well here’s some big news - new year, new shop.
After almost 10 years in our current location we will be moving (just around the corner though) this month.
Our new shop is/will be at 39 Candlemaker Row (now that’s a great street name), right next door to the excellent Hannah Zakari.
We will be closing our current shop this Saturday 15th January and re-opening in the new shop at the end of January if all goes well.
Watch this space for more info and photos etc.
9eyes is a fantastic blog featuring photos taken from Google Earth which highlights some surprising and great images.
A real life Photoshop complete with handy toolbar, rulers, and palette.
Artist directors: Andreas Junus & Irawandhani Kamarga; Photographer: Anton Ismael
Mode of Transformation
A nice man from GF Smith came in the other day and gave me a copy of their beautiful Mode of Transformation cycling book/paper catalogue. mmm
Recoat Bonus Aisle show
Our pal’s over at Recoat in Glasgow are having their annual inexpensive Xmas show. Some good names there.
