Things of This World Press was founded in 2017 by antiquarian photographer and intaglio printer Jeanne Wells as a place to work and teach in beautiful Aroostook County, Maine. That's me — and in all that I do at the press, I strive to bring the hallmarks of my personal work: a commitment to beauty and hand-crafting, and the belief that a photograph is best presented and preserved as a one-of-a kind object on paper. I am ( . . . )
Alternative Process Photography
Antiquarian and alternative photography techniques are what Things of This World is all about. Wetplate collodion, hand applied silver emulsion, traditional darkroom and film developing are all still used and taught here. For photo printing and reproduction, I prefer to use polymer photogravure, a variation on the traditional copperplate gravure, and fine art papers for the beauty it brings to each image.
Workshops
The current teaching schedule is concentrated on polymer photogravure, an intaglio printing process very close to the copperplate photogravure. While many teach this process as the end result of a lot of computer work — making the intaglio press effectively an Epson printer with a handle on the side — I refuse this simplistic way of working. A photogravure is a work of art, a work of the hands, and deserves the attitude and thoughtfulness given to a traditional handmade print. We will use the computer as a small but essential part of the process, but the real work happens with the ink, the hands, and the plate.
- Maine Media Workshops + College 2025 workshops are live now
We Can Print For You
I print small editions for fine art photographers who are looking for an alternative to inkjet printing for exhibitions and sales. Even if you're not a professional, I can take your photos, from whatever source, digital or physical, and make lovely hand pulled photogravures suitable for framing. What better way to commemorate a special person or event? Most plates can be made for under $100, and I try to keep the printing costs reasonable. Contact me for more information.
Prints for Purchase
Many hand-pulled gravures can be purchased throughout the year. Artist's proofs, state prints, and open edition prints are usually available. These are limited — often only one or two prints — and offered to newsletter subscribers before they are offered to the public. They sell quickly! Please sign up for the mailing list if you are interested. I try to keep a small offering listed here all the time, but please go to my website, Jeanne Wells, handmade photographs if you'd like to see more of my work. I'm also on Instagram and Facebook @jeannewellsphotobgraphs.
Future Projects
Have a project in mind that involves paper and ink and images? Run it past me. I'm hoping 2023 will be a rich and varied year, and I'm hoping to get a real darkroom built before it's through. Small projects finance the larger projects and my own personal work. I do on-demand polymer platemaking for those who have access to a press but not plate-making equipment. I also do Zoom sessions with people who have already learned from me for refreshers or learning new techniques. Sorry, teaching the entire process via Zoom isn't possible — it's too hands-on.
Find Us
Things of This World press+ studio is located in the little town of Easton, Maine (population 1200). We are 15 miles from Presque Isle (PQI for those who fly — JetBlue from Boston is cheap!), and 5 miles from the Canadian border. From Portland, Maine, we're a 4 hour drive. From Fredericton, New Brunswick, about two hours. Easton is an inviting community of potato farmers, Amish families, and just plain folks. The landscape is unbelievably open and beautiful.
The press is housed in the back of the re-built barn of an 1860s farmhouse. In its previous incarnation, it was a woodworking shop. There are intaglio and letterpress presses, a darkroom, and a 2 season shooting studio upstairs.
TOW press is open to the public only by appointment. We sell prints, talk shop, and would love to see you. Email ahead to set up a good time.
The press is housed in the back of the re-built barn of an 1860s farmhouse. In its previous incarnation, it was a woodworking shop. There are intaglio and letterpress presses, a darkroom, and a 2 season shooting studio upstairs.
TOW press is open to the public only by appointment. We sell prints, talk shop, and would love to see you. Email ahead to set up a good time.