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Andersons City Printing Works

See how much the technology involving printing has developed over the years at Andersons City Printing Works, established in Rockhampton in 1903. The CPW building houses a complete Letterpress workshop, dating back from the 1950’s, including displays of hot metal typesetting machines and presses, and examples of work printed since it’s opening that are proudly displayed on the walls.

Andrew Canning (Lofty) Anderson (1873-1957) was the founder of City Printing Works.

Born in Dunfermline, Fife Scotland in 1873, Andrew Canning Anderson  was 12 years old when he travelled with his parents William and Elspeth Anderson and his Uncle James Birrell on the ‘MV Cloncurry’ to Australia. The ship sailed down the East Coast and landed at Maryborough, Queensland. The year was 1886, the industrial revolution had taken its toll, and the Andersons, who were weavers in the linen mills, came to Australia for a better life.

Andrew obtained a job at the ‘Maryborough Chronical’ newspaper serving a seven year apprenticeship as a compositor.

Developing a love of sport, Andrew played cricket, rugby union and rowed. He represented Maryborough in all three sports. His introduction to Rockhampton was through sports competition. Lofty (a nickname gained by his sporting prowess and 6ft 3 inch (191cm) height, never to be called Lofty by is offspring) moved to Bundaberg in 1902 to work on the ‘Patriot’ newspaper and married Emma Johnston there.

In 1903 Andrew and Emma Anderson arrived in Rockhampton along with their infant son, William Price (Bill). In addition to their luggage there was a second hand printing press and just enough metal type to set up a newspaper.

The first step in the founding of City Printing Works was taken on 2^nd May 1903 when 2500 copies of the ‘Critic’ were eagerly snatched up by citizens of Rockhampton and Mount Morgan for one penny a copy (less than 2 cents).

The name was appropriate as it set out to right justice in and better the lives of workers. Sportsman and blue collar workers loved it and Lofty Anderson was a hero to many. ‘The Critic’ was a sporting and political weekly available Friday evenings.

The link between the Anderson family and City Printing Works has remained unbroken since 1903 through four generations.

Andersons Printing Works is still a proudly running business today, situated on East Street.