Letterpress Short Course
Course description
Course overview
In recent times, letterpress has enjoyed a big revival along with a host of other traditional skills. Industry trained tutor Helen Ingham has been at the forefront of this revival and has featured in numerous design publications while continuing to produce a variety of innovative work.
During this course, a small group of students are taken through three areas of letterpress work in the unique Central Saint Martins Letterpress Workshop. Previous students who have attended this course have gained enough confidence to develop their own letterpress workshops and are now successful printers in their own right.
Who this course is for
This course is suitable for anyone interested in letterpress, regardless of prior experience. Beginners are welcome, as are those looking to expand existing knowledge.
Key information
Topics covered
- Following an introduction and examples of other practitioners' work, there will be an explanation of the hand setting of moveable metal type, and a joint project will be set
- Following projects involve the use of larger wooden type with a versatile and experimental range of print processes. You are welcome to bring letterpress printing blocks of your own for use if suitable; these can be wood, metal, lino, laser cut wood or photopolymer
- Under supervision, blocks and type will be set for printing on a variety of presses
- The course includes instruction on Adana 8x5 tabletop printing press, Vandercook proof press, and Beevers hydraulic platen press, with one-to-one instruction where needed
- You will be provided with notes and additional suggested reading and will take home a selection of distinctive printed items
Learning outcomes
- Familiarity with letterpress and related equipment
- Gain confidence for future development in letterpress
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
- Flat strong shoes (no open toes, sandals or flipflops, and be prepared to get inky)
Tutor
Helen Ingham
Helen Ingham set up The Hi-Artz Press in 2002, producing highly expressive letterpress work with strong typographical and illustrative elements. She studied MA Communication Design at Central Saint Martins and was an intern at Hatch Showprint in Nashville. She carries out editorial and private commissions, exhibits in galleries and instructs at Central Saint Martins.
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