As a response to the very similar Albion Press, W H Lockett & Co. originally designed the Alexandra press. With a cap in the form of ostrich feathers from the Prince of Wales badge, the press was named after Princess Alexandra of Denmark who married the Prince of Wales in 1863.
Due to its popularity, the press was produced by several different manufacturers, including the Australian based F.T. Wimble & Co. MOTAT's version, manufactured in England by W. Notting, dates to about 1896 and appears remarkably similar to the W. Notting Albion Press.
Also known as, an iron hand press, the press is operated by pulling the bar-handle across, causing an inclined wedge of steel to force the plate down. The plate is raised again by a spiral spring placed in a box and fixed to the head of the press where the Prince of Wales ostrich feathers are located.
The School of Printing donated MOTAT's Alexandra press in 1978.
Specifications
| Type | Alexandra Iron Hand Press No. 2074 | |
| Manufacturer | W. Notting | |
| Country Manufactured | England | |
| Date | 1896 |
