Introduction to letterpress
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EmailLetterpress printing has become something of an endangered art, with just a handful of skilled artisans still practising it. But this traditional method remains one of the most beautiful and rustic forms of printing - producing some of the highest quality and one-of-a-kind prints to this day.
This workshop aims to provide an introduction to letterpress - starting with the basics of relief printing, inks, paper stocks and its history. Once you have brushed up on some new knowledge, you will work with your group on a small project that involves several aspects of typesetting and layout design.
Once the compositions are complete, your host will demonstrate how to use one of their Adana 8x5 or 5x3 tabletop platen presses. Your group will then use this to produce a small run of printed ephemera to take away at the end of the afternoon.
This workshop is aimed primarily at people with an interest in letterpress but not necessarily much (or any) prior experience in print or graphic design. Your host wants to provide the group with a taster and introduction to the techniques and processes involved in letterpress and the wonderful kind of effects that can be achieved.
Age restrictions: 14+
| Adult | £50 |
What people are saying
Apr 2024
Course was exactly what I wanted. Theo was friendly, calm, well-organised and helpful, and full o...
Sep 2023
The course was a wonderful introduction to the world of letterpress. The time seemed to fly by! W...
Jun 2023
Enjoyed a brilliant afternoon learning the basics of letterpress. Loved learning about the backgr...
Jun 2023
Great afternoon and really interesting to understand the process and make lovely cards. Great tha...
How to get there
Facilities
- WiFi
- Refreshments available
- Toilets
COVID-19 guidelines
- Face masks must be worn in the studio
- Please keep to 1m+ social distancing while inside the studio
- Hand sanitiser and hand washing facilities are provided
On the day
- Please arrive 10 minutes early so you can start on time
- You'll be working with oil-based inks which are very good at staining clothes!
- Have a think of what you would like to print for your keepsakes
- Tea, coffee, water & biscuits are provided
- Step-free access from street level
- Plenty of on-street parking nearby
- Nearest bus routes: 75 / 76 / 24 / M1
- Nearest train station: Parson Street
Changes happen, don't worry
You'll be hosted by
Print & Ephemera
Print & Ephemera is a letterpress printer and purveyor of typographic design. They offer a range of commission print services, workshops and products. All their work is produced entirely by hand using an eclectic selection of 120 year old treadle presses, lever presses and Adana hand presses which have been carefully restored back to their original condition. Not to mention an extensive collection of lead and woodblock types.
Print & Ephemera is based out of their printmaking studio at Estate Of The Arts in Bristol and run by Theo Wang, who has been a letterpress printer for almost 15 years, focusing on both preserving the traditional skills and exploring the contemporary, through application and practice.
Theo Wang
Print & Ephemera is run by Theo Wang. Theo's been a printmaker for 15 years. He's a lifelong enthusiast of typography, wordplay, craftsmanship, and the printmaking process.
After graduating from the London College of Printing (now Communication), he was one of the co-founders of SORT: the Society Of Revisionist Typographers in London. After operating as a letterpress focused design studio for nine years, working with organisations like the V&A, Tate Britain and Museum of London - in 2017 he set-up Print & Ephemera in Bristol.
Theo wanted to continue developing his letterpress practice and tie in a number of other kindred trades. He currently focuses on collaborating with other printmakers and independent businesses, developing his own range of printed products and limited edition artworks, and running letterpress workshops.
Any questions?
Ask your question directly to Print & Ephemera.