National Paste Up Day

National Paste Up Day is an American holiday created to pay tribute to the art of pasting images in newspapers and magazines. Before the advent of modern printing, the only way to insert images into printed publications was by physically pasting them onto the page. The holiday is celebrated annually on May 7.

History

The history of National Paste Up Day is largely unknown. In the past, there was a profession known as a paste-up artist, responsible for cutting out images and placing them correctly on the pages of a printed publication. This profession was in demand until the late 20th century when the development of printers and the printing industry took off. As automated devices began to apply images with ink directly onto pages, manual labor was no longer necessary, freeing employees from the meticulous work that required precision and attention.

In a way, pasting images into newspapers and magazines was an early form of collage, an art form that continues to thrive today. As we celebrate National Paste Up Day, it’s a great opportunity to create your own collage!

Interesting Facts

• The first printing press was invented in the 15th century by Johannes Gutenberg.
• Commercial advertisements in newspapers and magazines began appearing only in the early 19th century.
• Collage is not only a fascinating form of applied art but also an excellent way to develop fine motor skills and attention to detail.

How to Celebrate

On this day, create a collage or take a newspaper and try adding sticker images. Experience the work of a paste-up artist for yourself!

Share the holiday on social media and let more people know about this fun and creative celebration!

When is National Paste Up Day in 2025?

National Paste Up Day is observed on May 7 each year.

Observations