Letterpress is a relief printing process that uses movable type (wooden or metal) to make an inked impression on paper. Designs and images can also be printed by using linoleum cuts. From around the middle of the 15th century to the 19th century, letterpress was the primary printing form. It wasn’t until offset printing was developed in the 19th century that letterpresses slowly started to disappear. Unfortunately, people started melting down their presses believing with the new technology, there was not a need for the large and heavy presses. Now there are very few presses, so the art has become increasingly valuable. People now use the letterpress printing process for high-end printing jobs like wedding invitations or fancy business cards. The process is also used for posters, stationary, and cards.