INTRODUCTION TO LETTERPRESS 3: Advanced Techniques and Press Maintenance 03/10/2026

Suitable for those who have completed both Introduction to Letterpress 1 & 2 or with similar experience, this is the final workshop in a three-part introductory series presented by the experts at the London Centre for Book Arts.

What You'll Learn

Building on Introduction to Letterpress 1 & 2, this workshop will equip participants with the skills to confidently and independently operate the letterpress presses at LCBA, covering advanced printing techniques, multi-colour work, press maintenance, and best practice for studio use. This course is particularly suited for those planning to apply for Letterpress Certification. A successful certification is a requirement for independent press access at LCBA.

Topics that will be covered during the day

- Colour mixing from Pantone Swatches

- Printing in more than one colour: overprinting and planning colour sequences using a grid, proofs and paste-ups

- Achieving precise registration with decorative borders and metal type

- Preparing and using a photopolymer plate* for image-based work, preparing type-high printing surfaces

- Press maintenance: changing packing, checking and adjusting roller height before a print-run

- Dissing type and caring for the composing room

- Troubleshooting common press problems and best practice for independent studio use

Participants are required to bring along a print-ready design — a composition incorporating both type and image — which they will develop into a small two-colour edition during the session.

This workshop is designed for those who have completed Introduction to Letterpress 1 & 2 (or with equivalent experience) and is the final step before applying for Letterpress Certification at LCBA.

Requirements

- You must have completed Introduction to Letterpress 1 & 2, or have similar experience

- A print-ready design — a composition incorporating both type and image — which they will develop into a small two-colour edition during the session.

How to use the Letterpress presses independently at LCBA

- Complete Introduction to Letterpress 1, 2, & 3

- Book and pass the Certification Test to confirm your readiness for independent press use

- Become a studio member by purchasing a Studio Pass

- With your Studio Pass, make a booking to use the presses independently

Although not required, if you are an up-to-date studio member with a valid Studio Pass you will receive a 20% discount on all workshops at LCBA (excluding multi-day courses such as Making Books School).