Sunday, March 2nd
11am - 4pm
Letterpress 1 is a beginner-friendly introduction to the centuries-old craft of printing with metal type.
Students will be given a printing demonstration using our tabletop C&P Pilot press, then will compose metal type using one or two sentences of their own writing, or a favorite pithy quote. They will be walked through the process of proofreading and “locking up” their type, inking the press, and making adjustments based on test prints. Then, each student will print copies to keep and exchange with fellow participants.
Throughout the class-time stories will be shared, arcane knowledge revealed, and you will simmer in the alchemy of using your hands to create a physical form of your thoughts.
This class includes a 20 minute break for lunch.
No supplies or prior experience required.
Wear clothes to get inky!
Instructor: Brian Allen
After a 40-year career working with letterforms and typography, 20 as a digital font engineer, 10 with a solo commercial letterpress print shop in Raleigh/Durham, NC, Brian has retired to Philadelphia to luxuriate in the arts, crafts, and culture here. He particularly enjoys the warmth and hospitality of the citizens. It affords ample opportunity to activate his sardonic sense of humor.
