The Industrial Revolution brought the rapid development of manufacturing and of cities. Printers such as Pollards serviced the necessary systems and processes associated with growing commercial activity, government, and public services. The print factory was in North Steet, Exeter – with the family living above. In those days, most printing was by letterpress, but the best presses were now made in iron and could be powered by steam. Such technology was used to produce jobbing items such as stationery, account books, advertising material and pamphlets. Account books were firstly ‘pen ruled’, then overprinted before being sewn and bound by hand. Lithography was available, but mainly restricted to illustrations for books and printing of music.