THE ART OF LETTERPRESS
WHAT IS LETTERPRESS PRINTING?
Letterpress printing is a form of relief printing using raised metal or wooden type or plates. It's one of the earliest methods of printing - invented by Johannes Gutenberg in Germany in 1440, but its real origins lie much earlier in China. It is perfect for small runs, leaves a beautiful debossed impression and patina, and allows for an individuality not possible with modern printing. Each sheet of card is placed by hand onto the press and an impression is made. Certain types of paper hold the ink better, and the end result has a unique aesthetic and finish. Most wonderfully, it's gaining popularity, thanks to its artistic quality.
I print in my studio on a reconditioned Adana Eight Five, pictured here.
LETTERPRESS DESIGN
Over the years I have built up a library of typefaces, some aluminium and some wood, in a range of sizes. Some have been cut especially, whilst others are vintage - the latter often being quite difficult to get hold of. I also have a wide selection of inks, from traditional to neon and metallic. For designs using more than one colour, this involves more than one press - as the ink is changed on the plate each time.
​
​
