First Printing Press

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Memory · Subcategory: Sites of memory · Year: 1750

In 1750 we locate the first printing press that operated in Santa Cruz and throughout the Canary Islands. It came from the Sevillian printer Pedro José Pablo Díaz, who had been called by the general commander Juan de Urbina, as the need for such an industry in the islands was evident.

Díaz installed his business, which he called "Impresor Mayor de Guerra y Marina" (Chief Printer of War and Navy), initially on Calle del Sol (today Doctor Allart), then moved to a premises on the nearby Calle del Clavel. He worked there until his death on 30 October 1780.

He also set up a small bookshop and competed for the few readers Santa Cruz had at that time with three other book-selling establishments that existed in 1755 in the city. The business does not seem to have done well; high prices for the low demand.

28.466277, -16.248851