This ink mill is one of the earliest in Australia to be used to make blue ink for newspaper print. F.T. Wimble & Co were the manufacturers of the first printing ink produced in the Southern hemisphere (Melbourne, 1868). In addition to printing ink manufacture, type founding and electrotyping, Wimble's were the Australian representatives of many overseas manufacturers of printing machinery and accessories.

Frederick Thomas Wimble (1846-1936) was the son of Benjamin Wimble of Cambridge and grandson of Thomas Wimble of London. The family had been pioneers in the making of printing ink since 1768. Wimbles ink was a standard of England, and was exclusively used by many major printing houses including the Cambridge University Press. Benjamin Wimble introduced coloured ink to England and was one of the most influential men in the printing ink industry.

F.T. Wimble emigrated to Australia for his health, landing in Melbourne on 29 July 1867. He came on the 'Anglesey' with a parcel of lithographic materials, dry colours, bronzes, varnishes, and a big consignment of printing inks selected by his father. He investigated the current printing trade in the colony and concluded that selling imported inks had no future. He foresaw that the only way to make money was to locally manufacture printing inks. He immediately sent home to his father for the materials to create a small printing ink plant consisting of this ink mill, a steam engine, and other objects. He used this ink mill the following year, 1868, to make a royal blue ink that was used to print Victoria's first newspaper, the 'Evening Star', in Melbourne. The paper used was manufactured by Ramsden Paper Mills, on the banks of the Yarra River, and was the first paper manufactured in Australia.

The Museum has a significant collection of Wimble's printing equipment from 1868-1994, including printing presses and an extensive archive.

References
The evolution of printing ink: jubilee souvenir of Wimble's, Ltd. Sydney and Melbourne May 1918. (Booklet) (95/223/1-22/6)
F.T. Wimble & Co. Limited 120th anniversary, 1987 (Brochure) (95/223/1-22/46)
Wimble, F.T. Climbing the ladder: being the life story of Fred T. Wimble. Sydney, The Bookman Press, 1924 (95/223/1-22/14)
Wimble's centenary 1967. Reprint of September issue of Australasian Printer, 1967 (95/223/1-22/23)

Written by Erika Dicker
Assistant Curator, 2007

Maker unknown.

F.T. Wimble emigrated from England to Australia for his health, landing in Melbourne on 29 July 1867. He came on the 'Anglesey' with a parcel of lithographic materials, dry colours, bronzes, varnishes, and a big consignment of printing inks selected by his father. He investigated the current printing trade in the colony and concluded that selling imported inks had no future. He foresaw that the only way to make money was to locally manufacture printing inks. He immediately sent home to his father for the materials to create a small printing ink plant consisting of this ink mill, a steam engine, and other objects. He used this ink mill the following year, 1868, to make a royal blue ink that was used to print Victoria's first newspaper, the 'Evening Star', in Melbourne.

F.T. Wimble remained as Chairman of the Company when it went public on the Sydney Stock Exchange in 1920 and stayed there until his death in 1936. George B. Wimble, his son, continued the business. The family stayed in control until 1970 when the Board arranged for an investment company, guided by Mr Harry Wallace, to acquire control. In 1975 Mr Wallace became Chairman of Directors following the purchase by his family of 100% of the issued ordinary capital. In 1991 the company's Ink Division and its affiliate Colorpak were acquired by the Swiss-based international ink maker SICPA. The company archives and printing museum were transferred to F.T. Wimble & Co, wholly owned by Mr Wallace.

H. L. Wallace donated a number of objects and archives, relating to F.T. Wimble, to the Powerhouse Museum in 1995. The New England Regional Art Museum also holds a significant collection of objects relating to Wimble's printing history in Australia.

References:
The New England Regional Art Museum: http://www.neram.com.au/history.html
Australian Dictionary of Biography Online: www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/AS10493b.htm
F.T. Wimble & Co. Limited 120th anniversary, 1987 (Brochure) (95/223/1-22/46)
Wimble, F.T. Climbing the ladder: being the life story of Fred T. Wimble. Sydney, The Bookman Press, 1924 (95/223/1-22/14)

Printing ink mill, three roller type, metal / wood, maker unknown, England, 1867, used by F.T. Wimble & Co, Australia, 1868-1967

A three roller type belt driven shaft ink mill, made of metal and wood.

Made: Unknown; England; 1867

Owned: F T Wimble and Co Ltd; Melbourne, Victoria; 1868 - 1967

95/223/2

1867

1200 mm

1150 mm

950 mm