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Hello Doug
I just had a meeting at the German Lao Technical
School where they are building the press for Luang
Prabang. We printed the first prints on it, they
turned out very well and every one was happy with the
results and the press. A few little things have to be
done, but I think by the 15th December it will be
finished.
As it is the first press ever build in Laos, ( as you
can see they build it like a Russian tank) there will
have to be little changes on the second one next year.
For example, a bigger wheel and a different guide for
the bed. We will have a little baptizing drink in
December with some VIPs after that, I will accompany
the press to Luang Prabang to help install it at the
Art School there.
As I have mentioned this is a Franco / German Aid
Project Financed by the two embassies here in
Vientiane. Next year it will be French financing the
second half of the project and we will soon see every
Art School in Laos equipped with an etching press of
your design, thanks once again in the name of all off
us.
I will keep you updated.
All the best
Axel
The first of the three presses has arrived in Luang Prabang after an arduous eleven hour journey in a little van from Vientiane.
Coincidently it was 23rd and 24th of December and I felt like Father Christmas, and as you can see from the photos, a lot of happy faces. The French artist Christoph Meyer, currently in residence at the art school, started printing strait away after the opening ceremony. The ceremony it self was a big affaire, with representatives from the Provincial Government and Politburo. Naturally afterwards every thing was well baptised with Bier Lao.
I think this project has demonstrated, that with a little determination, good will, and some money a lot can be done for the arts and others.
I will send you further press clips when I have copied them.
All the best, and a happy Boxing Day.
Great Job Does The Heart Good
Added December 18, 2006
from L-R German and French Ambassador, Axel Wolkenhauer
Students with 3rd press
Directors of Vientiane and Savanaketh with new press
