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Latest News and Press Updates

August 2022

Reflections - The First Two Years
By David Mackey, Proprietor
 
David Mackey
     Remarkably, two years ago, I had the opportunity to acquire The Philadelphia Print Shop, an iconic antiquarian print and map establishment, founded in Chestnut Hill in 1982. Though the shop had been closed for several months with an uncertain future, I recognized the value of preserving its legacy and extensive collections, and was able to finalize the purchase while a pandemic was evolving. Little did we know how significantly COVID would impact all of our lives for these last two years!
     Despite an uncertain outlook, we forged ahead with a Moving Sale, before relocating to Wayne and opening in October 2020 in the back of a former State Store – where many thanked us for saving and preserving the historic business. The temporary space served us well, allowing me time to find an ideal permanent space in the heart of Wayne, now only 50 yards from the center of town.
     In the last year, we built a new e-commerce website and became more active both on Social Media, and with community organizations: Radnor Historical Society, Wayne Business Association, Radnor Library, holding special events with guest speakers, and hosting local elementary and secondary students.
     In September, it will be 40 years since the shop’s founding by Donald Cresswell and Christopher Lane; many of you know my two key employees, Quincy and Jane, who have each been with the business nearly 30 years! That’s 60 years of study, knowledge and experience working with historic prints, maps and rare books.
     Even if you don’t have time to come to Wayne, you can browse 24/7 online, or phone Jane or Quincy for a conversation on your interests. We can locate your home on stunning property maps of the Philadelphia area, or your hometown in the U.S or abroad. Now, at the end of year two in Wayne, we look forward to working with you however you are most comfortable – by phone, email, online or in person. So tell a friend, come visit, browse and stay awhile.
     Knowledge of History is important; we need to embrace it so future generations will not miss out. To this end, I would ask you to consider: What is your passion- and/or what do you collect? As the philanthropist David Rubenstein has said: “What is it about humans that makes them want to collect?”

 

June 2022

On May 19 and June 2 the shop was pleased to host groups from Ithan and Wayne Elementary Schools as part of the Walk Through Wayne.  Take a look at some of the lovely Thank Yous we received from the children we hosted!

3rd grade children studying a map of Wayne

Thank you note from Ms. Dietrich's class

THank you note with artwork from Ms. Dietrich's class

May 28, 2022

Dave is at the famous Devon Horse Show through June 5.  Booth #55 next to Clydesdales.

November 18, 2021

Wayne Business Association meeting at The Philadelphia Print Shop

Wayne Business AssociationWayne Business Association 11/18/21Wayne Business Association mtg 11/18/21

November 11, 2021

Veterans' Day Event in conjunction with Radnor Historical Society and WW II veteran and Radnor resident, Charles "Charlie" Doyle, who shared his reminiscences with those in attendance.

October 14, 2021

FIRST ANNIVERSARY IN WAYNE

First Anniversary of relocating Print Shop to Wayne

David Mackey surrounded by well-wishers.

 

 

The Philadelphia Print Shop is Making Wayne it's Permanent Home

April 19, 2021    Written by Richard Ilgenfritz

[Pictured: David Mackey, proprietor of The Philadelphia Print Shop (right), in front of the shop’s new permanent address at 106 East Lancaster Ave., Wayne with Cas Holloway, School Lane Holding Company and landlord. The Shop is one of several openings along that section of East Lancaster Avenue.]

RADNOR – When The Philadelphia Print Shop, an iconic, well-respected and nationally-known dealer of antique prints, maps and rare books relocated to Wayne from Chestnut Hill last year, it was on a trial basis. After finding success at the temporary location, proprietor David Mackey has signed a long-term lease and is moving the Shop to 106 East Lancaster Ave. in the center of Wayne. www.philaprintshop.com

“When we opened in October, we didn’t know what to expect due to the pandemic, with restricted access for shopping, and a strong trend toward online shopping,” said David Mackey, owner and proprietor. “Despite the uncertain times, business has been brisk largely due to the local community being steeped in history and committed to preserving it. I see us here for a long time.”

The Philadelphia Print Shop has leased the lower level of the former BellaDonna boutique. Visitors will be able to access the new gallery from the sidewalk/main entrance on Lancaster Avenue and the rear entrance on School Lane where customers may also pick-up or drop off items.

The Philadelphia Print Shop opened its doors in Wayne in October, 2020 after operating in historic Chestnut Hill for 38 years. It is business as usual at the current 209 West Lancaster Ave. location through April 17. It will be open by appointment only during the transition and will reopen at 106 East Lancaster Avenue on Saturday, May 15.

With the signing of the new lease, The Philadelphia Print Shop joins existing local businesses and some new arrivals in the reemergence of Wayne’s downtown business district.

“The last year has been a challenge for businesses everywhere,” said Deanna Doane, president of Wayne Business Association. “In Wayne, our businesses worked creatively to serve the community and sustain operations all while keeping their employees and patrons safe. The WBA is so pleased David has made this commitment to the future of Wayne.”

Longtime business, D'Amicantonio Shoe Store operating since 1932, has seen and survived difficult times.

“This is a resilient community with both business and those we serve working hard to support one another,” said Bob D'Amicantonio, owner. “That is almost certainly why The Philadelphia Print Shop has been so successful, why new businesses are moving to Wayne as we emerge from this pandemic, and why we can all be excited to see such a bright future for our town.”

In addition to The Philadelphia Print Shop, new businesses opening recently or planning to open soon are The Sugaree, Spread Bagelry, Holland Floor Covering, Lunachick, 12 West, and BellaDonna.

“As the weather warms and we come through these challenging times, the businesses of Wayne are open and here to greet the community,” said Deanna Doane, president, WBA.

The Philadelphia Print Shop is a purveyor of a wide selection of antique prints, maps, and rare books from the 16th through the early 20th centuries. These include woodcuts, engravings, etchings, and lithographs, many with original hand coloring, ranging in price from $50 to $10,000. www.philaprintshop.com

 

 

A "Treasure Trove" of History Opens up in Wayne

October 15, 2020    Written by Richard Ilgenfritz  

 

[Pictured: Business owner David Mackey (2nd to the left) is flanked by longtime employees Quincy Williams (left) and Jane Toczek to his right with Greg Basile of the Wayne Business Association]

RADNOR – It’s being called a treasure trove of history, and now it’s open in Wayne.

This week, officials held a ribbon-cutting for a unique business in Wayne called The Philadelphia Print Shop. The business originally opened 38 years ago in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia.

That store closed last December but was resurrected in August when it was purchased by David Mackey, a resident of nearby Chester County.

With the help of long time store employees Quincy Williams and Jane Toczek, who collectively have worked in the store for 50 years, Mackey officially opened up in his new location at 209 West Lancaster Ave. in Wayne.

“To me, Wayne is to the Main Line what Chestnut Hill is to Philadelphia,” Mackey said as he held the oversized pair of scissors to cut the ribbon.

He cited the walkability, the restaurants, and the community with a deep interest in history as a reason for reopening the store in Radnor.

Along with the Philadelphia Print Shop, Mackey has and will continue to operate his online business called Malvern Maps at www.Malvernmaps.com. Malvern Maps has historic maps that mainly focus on the Main Line and Chester County.

According to Mackey, he originally got into map collecting about 20 years ago when he stumbled on an old map of Berwyn while at the Devon Horse Show.

“Then I started buying more maps of Chester County,” Mackey recalled.

Over time, he began purchasing old atlases and then developed the Malvern Maps site.

About nine months ago, Mackey said he heard about the closing of the Philadelphia Print Shop and purchased it.

“While it’s possible to do more online these days, to me having a storefront where people can come in and browse – that, to me, is what makes this place special – a place where you can communicate with people who are students or teachers and the general public who are interested in history,” he said.

The store in Wayne is twice as big as the former Chestnut Hill location.

Mackey described the store as a treasure trove of history that goes beyond just maps. It also includes prints, views, landscapes and many other items. At the official opening, he even had a map of the map store. The map listed numerous areas of the store such as fine art prints, sea charts, poster rack, botanicals, rare books and lots of maps.

Claire Girton, secretary for the Wayne Business Association, welcomed the Mackey to the town.

“We are over the moon and delighted to welcome you to the Wayne Business Association, and you are going to make a great addition. The history in this town is an excellent match for this grand opening, so we wish you many happy years,” said Girton

Except for the ten years he lived in Florida, Mackey is a lifelong resident of the Main Line and has been a commercial real estate development professional for over 35 years.

Philadelphia Print Shop Opening Today In Wayne

A historic Chestnut Hill business has set up shop in Wayne, opening today, bringing rare books and maps to downtown.

October 14, 2020       Written by Marlene Lang 

 

RADNOR TOWNSHIP, PA — The print shop that once lived in Chestnut Hill has moved to Wayne, and its ribbon cutting happens at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, under the ownership of Wayne resident David Mackey.

The Philadelphia Print Shop at 209 W. Lancaster Ave. was known for its archive of historical maps, rare books and prints is coming to Wayne, after it closed last December in Chestnut Hill.

Established in 1982, the Philadelphia Print Shop was in the historic Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, but was shuttered at the end of 2019. Mackey had an eye for the treasure the print shop is.

"The Philadelphia Print Shop has earned a national and distinguished reputation for its extensive collection of fine prints and historical maps, combined with excellent research and fine customer service," said Mackey.

"When it closed, I saw an opportunity to combine the business with my hobby and passion for collecting and selling antique maps."

Visitors must wear masks, and social distancing is encouraged.

Dr. Don Cresswell, a former curator of Revolutionary Maps with the Library of Congress and university librarian, established The Philadelphia Print Shop. His discerning eye made him a regular on the PBS program, Antiques Roadshow.

The shop's extensive inventory includes a wide selection of original prints, maps and rare books from the 16th through the early 20th centuries. These include woodcuts, engravings, etchings and lithographs, many with original hand coloring, ranging in price from $50 to $25,000.

Of great regional interest is the inventory of Philadelphia, which includes views, portraits, maps and books of historic Philadelphia.

"While much of our business will be conducted online, I see the new storefront as essential. A large part of the joy of this hobby comes from the interpersonal exchanges with individuals, students and collectors, many who are as passionate about local history as am I."

Mackey was raised on the Main Line, living in Chester County for most of his life. A licensed commercial real estate and land development professional with more than 35 years of experience, David has for more than 20 years been a collector and purveyor of antique maps, uniquely qualified to build on the well-established brand of The Philadelphia Print Shop.

In addition to www.philaprintshop.com, Mackey also showcases the Main Line and Chester County at www.malvernmaps.com.

Article Link Here. 

 


Local Man Puts Philadelphia Print Shop "Back on the Map" with its Acquisition, Relocation to Wayne

August 7, 2020    Written by Mark Hostutler

 [Pictured: New owner David Mackey stands in front of The Philadelphia Print Shop. This location will reopen in mid-August for a moving sale before the business relocates to Wayne.]

The Philadelphia Print Shop – an iconic, well-respected, and nationally-known dealer in rare prints, maps, and rare books – has been acquired. The new owner, David Mackey, will relocate the business from Chestnut Hill to Wayne.

The Philadelphia Print Shop was established in 1982 in the historic Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, and closed after nearly 38 years in December 2019. Mackey plans to relocate the shop to 209 West Lancaster Avenue in Wayne. Terms of the sale are confidential.

“The Philadelphia Print Shop has earned a national and distinguished reputation for its extensive collection of fine prints and historical maps, combined with excellent research and fine customer service,” said Mackey. “When it closed, I saw an opportunity to combine the business with my hobby and passion for collecting and selling antique maps.”

[Pictured: David Mackey, the new owner of The Philadelphia Print Shop, inspects some of the shop’s rare antique maps.] 

“What that will look like is dependent on the status of the pandemic,” said Mackey. “While much of our business will be conducted online, I see the new storefront as essential. A large part of the joy of this hobby comes from the interpersonal exchanges with individuals, students, and collectors, many of whom are as passionate about local history as am I.”

The Philadelphia Print Shop was established in 1982 by Don Cresswell, a former curator of Revolutionary Maps with the Library of Congress and a university librarian. His discerning eye made him a regular on the PBS program Antiques Roadshow

“I wish David Mackey great success,” said Cresswell. “I’m happy that the business I established almost 40 years ago with co-founder Christopher Lane will be in the hands of such an enthusiastic new owner. If I can assist in any way, it would be a joy to me.”

Mackey recognizes the value of the tradition he now carries.

“I simply cannot tell you how honored and privileged I feel to have this opportunity to carry on the fine legacy of Don Cresswell and The Philadelphia Print Shop,” he said. “While I may never be able to fill his shoes the same way, I will endeavor to follow his footsteps while sharing my passion with others.”

Mackey was raised on the Main Line and, with the exception of 10 years spent living in Florida, has lived his entire life in Chester County. A licensed commercial real estate/land development professional with more than 35 years of experience, he has been (for more than 20 years) a collector and purveyor of antique maps and is uniquely qualified to build on the well-established brand of The Philadelphia Print Shop.

In addition to The Philadelphia Print Shop, Mackey’s other offerings include Malvern Maps, which showcases Main Line, Chester County maps, and views. To contact him, e-mail dmackey@philaprintshop.com or call 610-212-2050.