The search is on for a permanent location in Norwich for a historic printing museum, which is currently based at the Blickling Estate. 

The John Jarrold Printing Museum (JJPM) closed its doors at Whitefriars in the city in October 2019 after 36 years, to make way for a housing development. 

The collection consisted of one of the largest gatherings of machinery and type in the country, with a number of rare working models. 

Eastern Daily Press: The Norwich Printing Museum at Blickling features rare machinery The Norwich Printing Museum at Blickling features rare machinery (Image: Joseph Harrington - jhfilmproduction.co.uk)

Fortunately, it secured a semi-permanent new base in the courtyard at the National Trust's Blickling Estate, which opened in July 2021.

A small team of JJPM volunteers also formed a registered charity governed by a trustee board.

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It has been renamed Norwich Printing Museum with the John Jarrold Heritage Collection and features its largest machinery, including the only known working model of a Ratcliff.

Eastern Daily Press: The Norwich Printing Museum is run by volunteers The Norwich Printing Museum is run by volunteers (Image: Joseph Harrington - jhfilmproduction.co.uk)

The new mini-museum includes a fine Columbian press, a good range of treadle platens and a Heidelberg platen and a small bookbinding section.

However, a permanent home for the entire collection is being sought in or around Norwich, where the history of printing goes back to the 16th century. 

To promote the museum and its mission, local filmmaker Joseph Harrington was tasked with creating a video to showcase the volunteers at work, which will be released to the public soon. 

Eastern Daily Press: The Norwich Printing Museum will be open again from March 31 The Norwich Printing Museum will be open again from March 31 (Image: Joseph Harrington - jhfilmproduction.co.uk)

Alison Starsmore, producer and director, said: "The aim of the film was to raise the profile of the museum and to highlight just how special the collection is and it does that beautifully. 

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"I also hope it will play a part in securing premises large enough to accommodate the whole collection and a creative future for the museum."

Eastern Daily Press: Printing in Norwich dates back to the 16th century Printing in Norwich dates back to the 16th century (Image: Joseph Harrington - jhfilmproduction.co.uk)

NPM's Historic Print Shop at Blickling Hall is open Fridays to Sundays from 11am to 3pm from March 31 to October 29.