Thornwillow Press
Thornwillow Press is a fine press publisher and printer of handmade, letterpress-printed and hand-bound books, founded in 1985 and based in Newburgh, New York.
Last updated September 16, 2026
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Overview
Thornwillow Press describes itself as printers and publishers of handmade books, committed for 40 years to advancing a modern day arts and crafts movement that celebrates the written word. Founded in 1985 by Luke Ives Pontifell, it specializes in letterpress printing, engraving, and custom bookbinding, operating from a complex of historic buildings in Newburgh, New York. Since its founding it has published over 90 unique editions, with original work by writers, poets, artists, political leaders, scholars, historians, and journalists. Its offerings include limited edition publications, calendars, broadsides, prints, stationery, journals, and gift items, as well as the monthly Thornwillow Dispatch subscription.
History
Thornwillow Press was founded in 1985 by Luke Ives Pontifell, who spent his summer vacations from college printing and hand-binding books. What began as a labor of love grew into what the company describes as one of the leading fine press publishers in the world. Specializing in letterpress printing, engraving, and custom bookbinding, Thornwillow operates from a complex of historic buildings in Newburgh, New York. Since its founding, it has published over 90 unique editions, including original work by figures such as William L. Shirer, Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., Walter Cronkite, Chief Justice Warren Burger, James Merrill, Mark Strand, Helmut Kohl, Barack Obama, John Updike, and Henry Louis Gates, Jr. In 2015, the Thornwillow Institute was founded to teach and perpetuate the related arts and crafts of the written word.
Products and positioning
Fine press publisher specializing in letterpress printing, engraving, and custom bookbinding, presenting itself as part of a modern day arts and crafts movement celebrating the printed word.
Thornwillow Dispatch
A monthly subscription featuring letterpress-printed, limited edition publications and engraved and letterpress-printed keepsakes, offered in three subscription tiers.
Limited edition books
Handmade, letterpress-printed and hand-bound books, including works by celebrated writers.
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