About us
Rollaco was established in the late 70s by Mike Pears who was a research engineer and keen printmaker. Mike designed the first Rollaco presses and inking rollers. Janet, who still mans the telephone, came up with the original 'Rollaco' name because at the start the company was just making printing rollers.
Mike first got interested in printmaking a year or two after graduating in engineering from Sunderland Polytechnic (1971). He was a design and test engineer, first for the National Coal Board research centre, and later British Steel research. At this time he was learning printmaking under Philip Ross (Middlesbrough College of Art). This gave him a sound knowledge of techniques and materials. He purchased his own 16” press (a Hunter Penrose) and his work mate, Bob Bewick (later Bewick and Wilson), offered to build him a 24” version. This was the start of etching press making in the Teesside area of the UK. Mike started making brass framed rollers and these were first used and tested at Middlesbrough Art College. A partnership was formed with his brother John with a plan to make lightweight small bench etching presses (1979). John left (1989) and continued to make the older designs (Classic) under his company name Rollaco Presses. In the early 90s, Mike designed his own range of presses, the Major, Master and Compact .The Pro-series inking rollers would be gradually developed to become an industry standard.
Mike’s own words:
My aim when I started was to design and make quality equipment for printmakers, give them honest accurate information, and help them make the right purchase for their needs. I still enjoy talking to printmakers about their work and remain convinced that my insistence on high quality design and materials is the reason for our lasting success and excellent reputation.
I have introduced a system whereby I make only make a few Compact presses a year and then advertise them on this website when they are completed and ready for sale. This way we have no lengthy waiting lists and presses are available as soon as they are advertised. Of course this only applies Compacts – the rollers are available to order at any time.
