INTRODUCTION TO LETTERPRESS PRINTING

Explore the basics of letterpress on this two-day course at Ocean Studios.

Work with traditional wood and metal types to create a series of printed posters and postcards.

Workshop Overview:

• You will have the opportunity to use a rare wood type collection to create text and backgrounds using our historic Albion press, beautiful Victorian Harrild treadle press and our super-precision FAG machine.
• You will work with our metal type to set your own smaller lines of type and use our Adana presses and specialist letterpress equipment.
• The aim is to introduce you to several approaches of using letterpress and enable you to create stunning pieces of work.
• Throughout the course, you’ll learn about letterpress terminology, history, and interesting aspects of design.

What experience do you need?

This course is aimed at the absolute beginner or someone with some printmaking experience who wants to explore a new technique to add to their skills.

What will I make?

You will come away with some A3 prints on cartridge using the wood type collection and some unique A6 postcards using the metal type collection.

Who is my tutor?

Alan Qualtrough is a visual artist working with letterpress as his primary medium. He’s a retired newspaper editor; words and language are his specialities.

You will be working in Alan’s private studio and have access to his extensive collection of rare wood and metal types, as well as using the equipment in Ocean Studios print room.

Do I need to bring anything?

All the inks, papers, tools and equipment will be provided. Please bring a small folder to carry your prints home.

Dates and Timings:

Option 1: 23rd March 2024 (Saturday) & 24th March 2024 (Sunday)

Option 2: 20th April 2024 (Saturday) & 21st April 2024 (Sunday)

Costs:

Option 1: £140 (excl. VAT, plus fees)

Option 2: £140 (excl. VAT, plus fees)