Museum Shop
Home > Museum Shop > Bowne & Co., Stationers
Bowne & Co.

New York's oldest existing business under the same name, Bowne & Co., Stationers was founded in 1775 by merchant and philanthropist, Robert Bowne. In its current incarnation, Bowne & Co. enchants visitors by enabling them to experience the traditional craft of 19th century letterprinting in a charmingly atmospheric shop true to its historic origins. Advertisements, illustrations, and other materials of the period were researched to recreate the authentic look and feel of a 19th century establishment. See the 19th century letterpresses, buy exquisite cards handprinted in the shop, chat with artist and Bowne printer Robert Warner about his techniques—Bowne & Co. presents visitors with the unique opportunity to step into another era.

Bowne & Co. is also available as a distinctive venue for book launches and other special events. All proceeds from sales, donations, and special events benefit the exhibits and programs of the South Street Seaport Museum. For shop inquiries , please contact 212-748-8651 or bowne@seany.org.

Bowne & Co. Stationers is located at 211 Water Street.

Please visit our job printing shop, Bowne Printers, next door at 209 Water Street between Fulton and Beekman Streets. Letterpress items produced at Bowne Printers are available for purchase here.

Floral Notecard Set
Price: $25.00

Handprinted on Bowne’s 19th century letterpress, this set of boxed cards features a charming mid-century floral wallpaper pattern from the Seaport Museum’s collection of historic prints. 10 blank cards with envelope. Handprinted in New York City. 4 ¼ x 6 ¼ "
A Practical Guide to Light Refreshment
Price: $75.00

This hardcover limited edition book features a collection of 19th century recipes inspired by Dutch, British, French, and Native American culinary traditions. Printed with wood engraving at Bowne Stationers in New York City, this hardcover book is educational for both cooks and historians. 5 ⅛ x 10 ¼ ”
Museum Notepad Set
Price: $15.00

A set of three notepads with images selected from the Museum's permanent collection. Featured images are an optical illusion and bridge span.
Watercolor Journal
Price: $13.00

This travel journal is an attractive and practical gift for painters, drawers, and writers. The journal is complete with 60 pages of soft-white acid-free paper, an elastic band closure, and an interior pocket. Panorama format, linen bound. 3 ½ x 8 ¼ ”
Limited Edition Walt Whitman Keepsake
Price: $9.00

This limited edition handprinted keepsake commemorating Walt Whitman and the Promise of America, a 2005 exhibit at the South Street Seaport Museum, is perfect for Walt Whitman enthusiasts. A card with a reproduction of the original  title page to his Leaves of Grass beside an image of Whitman. A handprinted envelope accompanies the card.
Cityscape Card Set
Price: $30.00

Set of five hand-printed letterpress cards. Each card measures 5" x 7" folded, envelopes included.
Three Kisses Card
Price: $25.00

Set of five letterpress cards.  Three kisses hand-printed on a 19th-century letterpress.  Measures 4.5" x 6.25" folded; matching A6 envelopes included.
Carnations Card Set
Price: $25.00

Five hand-printed letterpress cards. Each card measure 4.5" x 6.25" folded; envelopes included.
New York New York Broadside Poster
Price: $25.00

New York New York broadside. Historically, broadsides were large sheets of paper printed on one side with moveable type to advertise circuses, political campaigns, Broadway plays, or any public event. This hand-printed broadside uses four different sizes of 19th century wood type from the Museum's collection. Black ink on glossy blue, measures 23" x 13.5".
Red Barn Card
Price: $25.00

Set of five cards hand-printed on a 19th century letterpress. Two color linoleum-cut by Bowne Printer Ali Osborn.  Cards measure 5" x 7" folded. Matching A7 envelopes included.