Logos: Printers' devices

Printers' devices have been in use since the 15th century. Each device was used as a mark on a book to identify who the printer was. It could be recognised easily, as it incorporated a set of symbols that represented a printer's name. Devices, or the modern equivalent, are still used today. Publishers, such as Walker Books, Puffin Books and Red Fox have logos on every book they publish. Large companies such as Nike and Adidas also have a symbol that identifies them. A printers' device from the 15th century played a similar role to these modern versions.

The activities suggested in this project will encourage children to explore the books that they have in school alongside 15th and 16th century printers' devices. They will recognise that modern publisher use logos which are part of the company identity. To develop a sense of ownership in their work and stimulate their interest, the children will be encouraged to establish a publishing culture in the classroom. They will be expected to follow the whole drafting process and eventually publish their work in books and manuscripts for a variety of audiences with their own identifiable device.

Activity 2
Find out about Gutenberg and printing