The Firecracker Press: Bringing Back The Art Of St. Louis Printing

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The historic buildings that line Cherokee Street are filled with antique stores and galleries and one shop on Cherokee Street, The Firecracker Press, has combined the best of both worlds with their artistic, hand-printed designs. By using antique printing presses and computer based design strategies the shop has brought the art back to the graphic arts by creating hand-crafted, hand-pressed prints for large clients like Crate and Barrel, Schlafly, and the Billiken Club as well as smaller jobs like couples who are looking for a creative and artistic look for their wedding.

Eric Woods started the The Firecracker Press shortly after finishing design school during a time when traditional graphic design was just starting to be taught alongside computer-aided design methods. Today they have three antique printers running in their shop, the oldest and original press still is used today and dates back to the 1930's. Clients turn to Woods and his team for beginning to end design consultation because the hand-on process of carving and applying the printing inks gives an artistic and unique touch to every single print that comes off their press. To see the presses in action, check out the Featured Video tab.

According to Woods, St. Louis has a rich printing history and, at one time, we were known for our printers. Shortly after moving the shop to its current location Woods helped found the Cherokee Print League to band together local printers. The league was formed to promote and rediscover the spirit that once infused the industry locally. During the year the printers come together for public sales, parties, and events. With the passion, artistic ability, and dedication that Woods and his staff have for the printing process and the city, it won't be long before they bring that reputation back.

The Firecracker Press is located at 2838 Cherokee St, in South City.  They offer commercial and private printing and design services and have prints, books, and other items they have created in their retail store front.

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