Saturday, July 25; 10am–4pm CT
From the original 15th century wooden handpress to the metal version designed in the 19th century, handpresses have been used to print everything from raffle tickets to the Declaration of Independence.
This in-person workshop will focus on the unique flexibility the handpress offers for printing books. We’ll begin with an introduction to the mechanics of iron handpresses, then learn how to set up the press to print quartos (four book pages) at once. Instruction will cover Gabriel Rummond's method of preparing make-ready, the process of adjusting printing pressure. Participants with experience setting type will have the option to set and print a short phrase of their choice. Those new to setting type will get a glimpse of this process during the workshop. You’ll leave with foundational knowledge and confidence to create high-quality books (and prints!) on the iron handpress.
Participation in Letterpress 1–3 is required to return to MCBA to print your own projects during Letterpress Labs. Letterpress 4 is required in order to rent equipment to work independently in MCBA’s print studio.
Level: Beginners. All levels are welcome. Any experience with letterpress printing is helpful, but not required.
Certificate: 6 hours, Category B or D
Pricing
$147 | $74 Scholarship | $221 Pay-It-Forward
$35 materials fee
Scholarships are available for individuals facing adversity as it relates to identity, income/wealth, and lack of access to arts resources. The Pay-It-Forward rate (tuition, plus 50%) supports MCBA’s efforts to make scholarships available. We leave it to you to choose the rate that is meaningful to you based on your income, wealth, and privilege status. MCBA members receive a 10% discount on tuition.
