Ho Sun Hing Printers

In 2014, Ho Sun Hing Printers, Canada’s last Chinese-Canadian letterpress print shop, closed down. This print shop operated for over 106 years in Chinatown. As the neighbourhood changed, the demand for letterpress printed stationery dwindled. Prior to closing, I bought a few letterpress blocks. I kept the blocks in a safe spot in hopes of one day doing something with them. Most people bought the blocks as they see them as precious antiques, but I am a letterpress printer, so a printer is gonna print. After speaking to Bowman and Norman Lam of Ho Sun Hing Printers, I received the go ahead to make a zine/book about their family’s business. Currently, I am working with Kathy Shimizu of WePress. WePress, a non-profit arts organization in the Downtown Eastside, acquired many Chinese characters and blocks. Through Kathy, I was introduced to Jodie Mak of the Yarrow Society. Jodie is helping me translate the Chinese blocks. This project is still in its early stages as much research is needed, but I’m excited and looking forward to printing. To be continued…