Plunkett Press

How Plunkett Press Stationers is keeping a centuries-old craft alive

Using a rescued 1950s letterpress and traditional techniques, Coibhe Butler creates greeting cards with a difference, each one hand-printed, deeply embossed, and designed to remind us that physical post is a meaningful, sustainable way to connect.

The story of Plunkett Press Stationers began in 2020, when Coibhe Butler heard about a West Cork stationer who was retiring and didn’t know what to do with his treasured equipment. Coibhe visited the print studio and discovered a treasure trove of tall cases filled with drawers of lead type, alongside rows of letterpress inks, composing sticks, chases, quoins, tweezers, spacers, and wood and metal blocks. 

In a gesture that speaks to the craft’s community spirit, the retiring printer was adamant that the deal consideration would be a charitable donation. Once installed in a converted potting shed in County Wicklow, the letterpress found its purpose once again, continuing the tradition of producing embossed stationery with a distinctive tactile quality.

Letterpress Technique

Letterpress is a hands-on, time-intensive craft. Each line of text must be composed by hand using tiny pieces of lead type that make up an embossing plate. This is then placed into the chase of an inked press, and each card or page must be hand-printed one piece at a time. The paper quite literally “kisses” the inked chase, leaving an impression.

Coibhe uses organic and earth-pigmented inks for true depth of colour, and sources Italian paper containing cotton fibres. “Its softness allows the letterpress to leave a deep impression,” she notes. The result is stationery that you can feel as well as see. Run your finger across the page and you’ll sense the indentation, a quality that makes each piece unmistakably special.

The creative process at Plunkett Press begins with inspiration drawn from the surrounding Wicklow countryside. “Not a day goes past where we don’t spot a shy red squirrel or hedgehog who regularly appear on our greeting cards,” says Coibhe. “We have also found great inspiration in the artwork that appears on old Irish coins.”

That original acquisition from West Cork continues to yield creative dividends. “Included in this was a tray labelled ‘various small blocks’ which has been an absolute treasure trove for greeting card inspiration,” says Coibhe. Working with a local artist who creates illustrations, Coibhe then has embossing plates made which slot into the vintage letterpress printer. “We can only use one or two colours, which is limiting, but because the image is literally pressed into the paper it gives the card a very tactile and distinctive look.” 

Beyond The Cards

Plunkett Press Stationers has evolved beyond its original remit. Coibhe has founded ‘Letter Writing Heroes’, an initiative that encourages primary school children to write and post letters. The business has also expanded into corporate gifting. “Companies are attracted by the fact that writing paper is a meaningful and sustainable gift. They also like the fact that we plant a native Irish tree for every ten orders,” Coibhe notes.

While the product is resolutely old-fashioned, the business model embraces modern technology where it makes sense. Coibhe uses Shopify for its simplicity, though she notes that payment processing can be expensive for a small business. The cards are stocked in retail outlets such as Howbert & Mays, and Instagram and LinkedIn help reach a wider audience. Articles in Irish magazines and radio interviews have proved particularly effective for sales and brand awareness, according to Coibhe.

An Post Partnership

For a business built on the importance of posted communication, the relationship with An Post is crucial. “We use Parcel Post from An Post because we know that each parcel will be handled with care and efficiency unlike some private delivery companies,” says Coibhe.

“An Post is the natural choice as it is aligned with our values of the importance of sending hand letters,” she adds. “We use 100% recycled packing and are happy that An Post now use electric vans and bicycles for delivery. Having a postman hand deliver a letter from a friend is such a personal and wonderful service that perhaps we don’t appreciate enough.”

General greeting cards and Christmas cards remain perennial favourites. “Personalised birth announcement cards are becoming very popular and straightforward writing paper is a good seller for us too,” she observes. In defending the continued relevance of physical cards, Coibhe is passionate. “To find a handwritten card in your letterbox is such a joyous thing,” she says. “My favourite part of receiving personal post is trying to guess who the letter is from judging by the handwriting.”

A Christmas Message

The Christmas season is particularly important for Plunkett Press Stationers, and Coibhe has a clear message for anyone considering whether to bother with cards this year. “Don’t abandon Christmas to your phone! Writing Christmas cards might be the only time of year when we put pen to paper, and there is a lovely quietness about sitting down and writing to friends and family before the madness of Christmas starts. Never underestimate how much someone, especially those living abroad, will appreciate your card.”

Plunkett Press Stationery cards and stationery are available online at https://plunkett-press.com and in selected retailers.