(Photograph courtesy of International Printing Museum, and used with permission.)
And–the Victorian-era printing presses will be rolling and clacking, as you print out your own Christmas cards and tags for Christmas, 2013!
According to Museum Presenter and Scheduler Phil Soinski, in an earlier interview, Victorian families used printing presses as entertainment. Small presses were often a part of nineteenth-century home life, while full-sized working presses were put to use by the authors of the day. Mr. Dickens, Phil says, was a very demanding and exacting customer at his local printer’s shop.
But, we promise, a century and a half have mellowed that good gentleman considerably. His 2013 incarnation will, quite possibly, call on audience members to be Christmas Carol cast members–but his director’s comments will be kind.
Carolers will be adding some festive notes, throughout both days, as will a Victorian-outfitted Steerforth, from David Copperfield, proving his skill at the dulcimer. Lunch will be traditional English Christmastime fare, and will be included with the price of admission. And while you aren’t required to dress in Victorian costume, such garb is highly encouraged. Not sure how to create a Dickensian look? The Museum offers some guidelines–and has made them very inexpensive and easy.
Mr. Dickens would have approved.
The International Printing Museum is located at 315 West Boulevard, near South Vermont, in Carson. Their “Dickens Holiday Celebration” takes place Saturday and Sunday, December 14th and 15th, with three shows each day between. However, this special event sells out quickly, so now is the time to make reservations: according to their website, two of their scheduled showtimes have already sold out.