Ref: SWE40028
Learn all aspects of letterpress printing through getting hands-on and inky on this course.
Each session will be jam-packed with information, from how to set up printing presses, how to achieve the best possible print, where to source machines, maintenance advice, history of letterpress, and other tips that can be used across many other printing disciplines.
During the sessions, you will learn how to handle and set type, as well as different inking techniques and effects. You will learn about the fundamentals of design and composition with type, utilise a selection of the tutor’s own woodblock type collection, print your own unique poster/s and use the tutor’s 1950’s George Pallister Proofing press or West Dean College’s very own Farley or Albion presses.
Over the course, you will create a custom edition of letterpress print/s, print and hand bind a personal notebook and print some ephemeral items to take home.
By the end of the course, you will have learnt many letterpress printing skills for use in your future creative endeavours.
Ink, newsprint, 5 sheets of printing paper, newsprint, card, copier paper, low odour solvent, unwaxed book binding thread and needle
Apron
Available from shop:
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals.
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
Tom Boulton studied typographic design at the London College of Printing then became a self-taught letterpress printer. With over ten years’ experience he has been commissioned by the likes of Tate Modern, Fortnum and Mason, Southbank Centre and The Design Museum. He has features in publications such as Creative Review, The Telegraph and Country Living, and has won a D&AD award.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
