Mark E. Sackett, a self-proclaimed 'king of his own castle', has amassed an extraordinary collection of vintage ephemera, including labels, bottle caps, typewriters, and even a 1920s Rice Krispies advertisement print. His journey began as a child, dumpster diving with his brother for old beer bottles, and has since grown into a massive collection of over 15 million antique printing and ephemeral pieces. The Pressroom and Mercantile, located in San Francisco's SoMa district, showcases his curated collection, featuring restored letterpress machines, cabinets dating back to 1888, and niche movie posters from the 1950s. The store's atmosphere, with its Spanish gothic light fixtures and vintage decor, adds to the allure of this unique business.
Sackett's passion for collecting started with miniature beer bottle salt-and-pepper shakers from his grandfather's house in Kansas City. He joined the Beer Can Collectors of America (BCCA) at a young age, despite not being old enough to drink, with the support of his parents. After becoming a successful graphic designer and art director, he moved to San Francisco and purchased the building that would become his showroom and letterpress shop. The building, once a printing plant owned by William Randolph Hearst, now houses his studio and private venue space, with the first floor dedicated to The Pressroom and Mercantile.
Sackett's collection is diverse, with items from all over the world. He has followed leads to find unique pieces, such as a 1920s display for a fly spray brand called Tanglefoot, found in an attic two hours south of Amsterdam. His dedication to collecting has attracted notable patrons, including rapper Snoop Dogg, who is also a physical ephemera collector. Despite his vast collection, Sackett still buys new items, like an atlas cover that he couldn't resist.
The Pressroom and Mercantile has become a destination for collectors and enthusiasts, offering a unique shopping experience. Sackett's passion for collecting and his dedication to preserving vintage ephemera have transformed a nondescript storefront into a captivating haven for those who appreciate the beauty and history of antique printing and ephemeral pieces.
