F.T. Wimble & Co were the manufacturers of the first printing ink produced in the Southern hemisphere (Melbourne, 1868). In addition to printing ink manufacture, type founding and electrotyping, Wimble's were the Australian representatives of many overseas manufacturers of printing machinery and accessories.

Frederick Thomas Wimble (1846-1936) was the son of Benjamin Wimble of Cambridge and grandson of Thomas Wimble of London. The family had been pioneers in the making of printing ink since 1768. Wimbles ink was a standard of England, and was exclusively used by many major printing houses including the Cambridge University Press. Benjamin Wimble introduced coloured ink to England and was one of the most influential men in the printing ink industry.

F.T. Wimble emigrated to Australia for his health, landing in Melbourne on 29 July 1867. He came on the 'Anglesey' with a parcel of lithographic materials, dry colours, bronzes, varnishes, and a big consignment of printing inks selected by his father. He investigated the current printing trade in the colony and concluded that selling imported inks had no future. He foresaw that the only way to make money was to locally manufacture printing inks. He immediately sent home to his father for the materials to create a small printing ink plant consisting of an ink mill, a steam engine, and other objects.

He used his ink mill in 1868 to make a royal blue ink that was used to print Victoria's first newspaper, the 'Evening Star', in Melbourne. The paper used was manufactured by Ramsden Paper Mills, on the banks of the Yarra River, and was the first paper manufactured in Australia. F.T. Wimble & Co grew to be a dominant force in the Australian printing industry for the next 100 years.

The Museum has a significant collection of Wimble's printing equipment from 1868-1994, including printing presses and an extensive archive.

References
The evolution of printing ink: jubilee souvenir of Wimble's, Ltd. Sydney and Melbourne May 1918. (Booklet) (95/223/1-22/6)
F.T. Wimble & Co. Limited 120th anniversary, 1987 (Brochure) (95/223/1-22/46)
Wimble, F.T. Climbing the ladder: being the life story of Fred T. Wimble. Sydney, The Bookman Press, 1924 (95/223/1-22/14)
Wimble's centenary 1967. Reprint of September issue of Australasian Printer, 1967 (95/223/1-22/23)

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Powerhouse Museum