About

This introductory class will teach you basic letterpress skills, focusing on how to use the studio’s wood type, the provisional presses, and the Vandercook proof press. Wood type is generally larger than metal type, and great for signs, posters, and other uses for which large text is appropriate.

The class covers:

• An overview of letterpress materials and how they're organized in the studio.
• How to set a short phrase using wood type (two to four words on two lines).
• How to use furniture, reglets (thin strips used to create blank spaces), other spacing materials, and magnets to secure your type in a galley.
• How to hand ink your type.
• How to use the provisional presses (see https://www.provisionalpress.com/).
• How to use the Vandercook proof press.
• How to ensure letterpress equipment and materials, some of which are antique, remain in good shape.
• Cleanup procedures.

You'll also learn about other letterpress materials we have in the studio that you'll be able to use once certified, including LEGO(R) dots and P22 blox (see dry-inc.com).  

Details

The class teaches you all the skills to get certified to use wood type, provisional presses and the Vandercook proof press independently. Taking the class doesn't automatically confer certification.

The class will take a brief break for lunch.  Please bring a sack lunch.  BARN has a refrigerator and microwave for your use.

Prerequisites