Process Taster: Letterpress

Join former printer and letterpress enthusiast David Hyatt for an introduction to the heritage craft of hand typesetting and letterpress printing. 

Ever heard the phrase ‘hot metal’ and wondered what it means? This three-hour workshop offers an introduction to the terms, tools and processes involved in turning words into print, using the craft skills first developed in Europe in the mid-15th century which held sway for 500-hundred years. 

You’ll have the opportunity to compose type by hand, create a proof, identify and correct errors, and produce a final printed sheet using WYPW’s Stephenson Blake proof press. Along the way, you’ll learn some of the fundamentals of typography and traditional typesetting, giving you a basis for developing letterpress skills within your own printmaking practice. 

Who is the session for?

This session is suitable for beginners and anyone interested in exploring the twin crafts of letterpress composition and printing. 

You might be completely new to letterpress, interested in the history and processes behind printed text, or a printmaker looking to add another process to your practice. Either way, this workshop will give you a hands-on introduction to the fundamentals. 

No previous experience of typesetting or printing is required. 

What will the session cover?

During the workshop, you’ll be introduced to: 

• The history and terminology of hand typesetting and letterpress printing. 
• The differences between serif and sans-serif typefaces. 
• Point sizing and how type is measured. 
• The traditional type case layout and how individual pieces of type are organised. 
• Hand composing and setting type for printing. 
• Working with monotype composing type, including setting your own name as a starting point. 
• Why type needs to be composed laterally reversed in order to print correctly. 
• Producing a ‘proof print’ using wood or metal type. 
• Reading and correcting a proof before producing a final printed sheet. 
• The practical craft skills involved in taking type from initial composition through to a finished print including learning about the inks involved and the best workflow within the studio.  

The workshop will give you a practical understanding of how individual pieces of type are assembled, proofed, corrected and printed, as well as an insight into the skills and knowledge traditionally viewed as closely guarded trade secrets. 

What to Prepare?

There is nothing you need to prepare in advance for this introductory workshop. 

You’ll have the opportunity to work with type during the session, starting by using your own name as a simple starting point for exploring hand composition before exploring other facets of design and layout, for example justified typesetting or display print. 

All materials and equipment required for the workshop will be provided. 

Pace and Accessibility:

This workshop is designed to be relaxed, supportive and accessible, with a maximum of three participants to ensure everyone receives individual guidance. You’ll be taken through each stage of the process step by step, with opportunities to work either seated or standing as you prefer. Regular breaks will be included throughout the session. The workshop is located in our letterpress area and lower ground printroom spaces which have level access via the rear entrance to the building. If you have any additional access or support needs, please get in touch before the workshop so we can do our best to accommodate them. 

What’s next?

After attending this course, you will be well equipped to join our workshop as a member and continue to use our facilities to make and develop your own work. The sooner the better, as the longer you leave it the more you are likely to forget! Sign up for membership within one month of attending the course you will receive a £5 discount. Find out more about the benefits of membership here.

Cancellation Policy:

• If you have to cancel:

If you are unable to attend your booked course, we may accept the fee paid as payment towards a place on the same or another course that takes place within the same financial year (running 1 April-31 March) following the originally booked event. Such a transfer will be on condition that we are informed in writing of your intentions four weeks prior to the originally booked event. Bookings can only be transferred once. If you are unable to attend, and not in a position either to transfer to another event, then the following charges will apply: Cancellation charges

• 16-12 weeks before the course: 50 % of the fee will be retained by WYPW
• Less than 12 weeks before the course: 100% of the fee will be retained by WYPW
• Please note that full payment is required for non-attendance on a booking that has been transferred.

If you have any further questions about our cancellation policy, please contact us on info@wypw.org

• If we have to cancel:

West Yorkshire Print Workshop reserves the right to cancel or re-arrange courses if there are insufficient participants enrolled to run a viable course or for other unforeseen circumstances. We will do our best to give those who have already enrolled at least one weeks’ notice of cancellation. In such circumstances you will be offered a free transfer to another course date or a full refund of fees paid. By enrolling in our courses, participants agree to abide by the terms and conditions outlined above. 

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