Introduction to Letterpress
Details
This three-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 platens, proof presses and an iron handpress as time allows. Perfect if you're considering buying a press and wondering where to start.
The workshop is run by Graham Judd, qualified letterpress machinist of Inkiana Press, with help from other trained letterpress printers. Graham is one of the top letterpress educators in the country and regularly teaches abroad: www.inkianapress.co.nz
Venue: WCBA. Wellington Centre for Book Arts, Woolstore Building, 262 Thorndon Quay, Wellington
Time: 6.30-9.30pm Friday 20th March, 2026.
Cost: $75 (less 10% for members) includes tuition, materials and letterpress booklet. Places are limited and can only be confirmed by payment.
Enrolments to: info@theprintingmuseum.org.nz