If you’re looking for an in-depth introduction to letterpress printing, this course is for you. Each week, you’ll work through exercises designed to give you a thorough grounding in fundamental printing skills, a working knowledge of different presses, and an understanding of their strengths and limitations. This course will give you the necessary skills to initiate your own projects, and the confidence to troubleshoot problems when they arise. 

The course is suitable for beginners and those with some experience who are looking to take their skills to the next level. It will leave you well equipped to pursue your own projects independently or as a member at Thin Ice Press, following the conclusion of the course. You will take away a portfolio of prints -- a great souvenir of the course, and a handy guide for future printing! The course is taught at Thin Ice Press: the York Centre for Print, an exceptionally well-equipped printing and printmaking studio in the heart of York.

Your Tutors

Nick Gill has been working as a full-time letterpress printer, typefounder and book artist for the last 17 years. In that time, he has taught many printers in the early stages of their work, who have gone on to become some of the finest printers working today. His Effra Press & Typefoundry is one of only a handful still casting type, as well as providing consultancy on typefounding and printing both in the UK and internationally. His books and prints are held in private libraries around the world. He is Printer in Residence at the University of York, and Master Printer at Thin Ice Press: the York Centre for Print, as well as a member of the Fine Press Book Association, Designer Bookbinders, The Society of Bookbinders, and Heritage Crafts. Nick was awarded England Maker of the Year in the 2024 Heritage Crafts Awards.

Phil Treble is a typographer, letterpress printer and bookbinder, with over 15 years experience publishing fine press books and printing typographic art prints under the name Muttons & Nuts. In his career he has worked for Cambridge University Press, Penguin Books and Sotheby’s and as a freelancer has designed books for the Cardozo-Kindersley Workshop.

Dates

This course will be taught over six consecutive Monday evenings at 18:00 to 20:30 from Monday 3 February to Monday 10 March 2025.

Booking

£350, including six weeks tuition, a Thin Ice Press printer's apron (yours to keep), all materials, and tea and coffee, plus a 10% discount in our shop and gallery, including for memberships and future workshops, valid for a year.

Limited to ten places. Please book via the link above. Contact us with any questions about the course.