Introduction to Letterpress Basics

*May 24 & May 31 - Sat  10-2:30 w/break (EST)*

Teacher: Eric Groff

$165 per person in Studio Class

Click to register

This two-part lesson will guide students in the time-honored tradition of letterpress. Students will learn the proper terminology of the letterpress shop, become familiar with the tools of the trade, and effectively hand-set a small composition to print on our 50s-era proofing presses. Instructors and students will participate in group critiques as the class proceeds. At the conclusion of the second session, students will have the background knowledge to continue with their letterpress studies in more advanced classes at FBAC. 

SESSION 1 will be a structured lesson in composing a form using large wood type, locking the form within a chase, using brayers to ink by hand, and operating the proofing press.

Students are invited to join us, at no cost, on Wednesday May 28th from 6 to 9pm for extra time to prepare their project.

IN SESSION 2, students will create their own composition using wood or metal type and print a small edition of 10 prints to share with classmates and instructors.

Completing this class will certify students in using our letterpress department for typesetting and printing with proofing presses during Open Studio Rentals.

NOTE: 

We set our pricing to pay our instructors a fair wage and cover materials, but one of FBAC’s goals is to give access to the experience of all things bookbinding and printing to anyone who is interested. If you or someone you know would like to participate in a class but do not have the funding please reach out to contact@frederickbookarts.org and we will do what we can so no one has to miss out on the experiences we offer.