Do your part to help save an arguably priceless part of printing history. The Garamon Patrimoine Initiative organization is pleading for signatures on a petition that will hopefully stave off an attempt by the French government to disperse the assets of the Imprimerie Nationale Group.
This government-owned commercial entity holds sway over a vast and historic collection of letterform punches, foundry equipment, lithographic and engraving presses, binding machinery, and countless other printing and typographic artifacts dating back to the 16th century. The Garamon Patrimoine Initiative aims to dissuade the government from simply packing up the contents of the Imprimerie Nationale without due thought and consideration to its intellectual and cultural significance.
Although the organization's site is primarily in French, an English translation of the petition is available. As well, a recent update from the Garamon Patrimoine Initiative team has also been posted to the Typophile forums.
