Introduction to Letterpress Printing

This three and a half hour course is the perfect introduction to the traditional method of printing with lead type. Letterpress was the main method of printing for over 500 years from Johannes Gutenburg’s 1450s bible to recent times.

Letterpress has seen a huge revival in the United States and Britain while locally a number of artists and craftsmen have maintained the tradition. The three dimensional nature of letterpress is the perfect antidote to the flatness of digital print. This class will give you an insight into how the equipment, materials and techniques work.

The course will cover basic typography, composition, layout and letterpress techniques such as lockup, inking and paper selection on tabletop platen and proof presses. The main project will be printing letterpress business cards or an alternative on soft cotton paper.

Venue: WCBA. Wellington Centre for Book Arts, Woolstore Building, 262 Thorndon Quay, Wellington

Cost: $75 (less 10% for members) includes 3.5 hours tuition, materials and letterpress booklet. Places are limited and can only be confirmed by payment.

Enrolments to: info@theprintingmuseum.org.nz