What is letterpress printing?

This is the process of printing from a raised surface, sometimes called ‘relief printing’. It is the method used by Gutenberg and Caxton and was the mainstay of the printing industry until the 1960s when offset lithography (printing from a chemically treated flat surface) took over.

What surfaces do you print from?

For words I use an extensive collection of metal and wooden printer’s type that I have built up over 30 years. I set the type by hand in a manner that Caxton and Gutenberg would recognise. For images I use linocuts, woodcuts, wood engravings created by artists and etched metal plates and plastic plates prepared from drawings and photographs.

Mostly I collaborate with artists to produce printed materials. Sometimes I am a simple technician supplying skills and knowledge to achieve a result desired by the artist. Sometimes I am more of a partner in creating a result. I print linocuts, wood

engravings, my own typographic designs, artists’ books, and ephemera. Printing has very diverse applications and I do enjoy exploring everything from beer mats and business cards to limited edition prints.

What equipment do you have?

I have a range of wooden and metal types in a variety of designs. I also know who still supplies type and can add to my collection for special projects. I have three printing machines. The smallest is just ‘portable’ and I use it to give demonstrations of letterpress printing in different venues when asked. (It is amazing what pleasure can be elicited by inviting someone to make a small linocut and then printing it immediately in some vivid colour on a piece of good quality paper.) The most versatile is my ‘Albion’ handpress: on this everything is controlled by hand and this is what I use for editioning prints. The fastest is a Heidelberg automatic platen (capable of very fine work) that is ideal for longer runs of stationery and cards.

Why do you print?

Letterpress is, in some respects, an intensely mechanical way to produce a beautiful image. It appeals to my creative mechanical instincts. It also brings me into contact with a wonderful range of people.

Do you teach classes?

If enough people ask, I will teach a class, so ask. If enough people don’t ask, you are still welcome to come and look and perhaps try for yourself anyway. I want to encourage another generation of letterpress printers.

Contact details

Showing at 18 Bloomfield Avenue