INTRODUCTION TO RISO 1: Analogue Experiments 12/09/2026
Suitable for complete beginners, this is the first in a three-part series of introductory Risograph printing workshops presented by the experts at the London Centre for Book Arts. All materials and tools are provided.
What is Riso?
The Risograph Duplicator, or Riso (pronounced Ri-sō), is an affordable and environmentally friendly printing method that yields results rich in color and texture, with a distinct analogue quality resulting from its unique mechanics.
A Riso duplicator looks much like a photocopier but works in a similar way to screen printing. Using either the scan-bed or printing from a digital file, the machine makes a ‘master’ stencil of the artwork. Ink is then pushed through the stencil onto the paper as the drum rotates, with additional colours added by overprinting.
A printing process particularly suited for fliers, posters, comics and zines.
What You’ll Learn
During this workshop participants will learn the basics of using a Riso printer from start to finish. We will work independently and as a group to produce a series of prints utilising material from the LCBA library and a variety of experimental and manual artwork production techniques unique to the Riso itself.
Upon completion, you will leave with a small edition of your own prints and prints by the rest of the group.
This workshop is designed to prepare you for Introduction to Riso 2, followed by Introduction to Riso 3. Completing all three introductory workshops qualifies you to apply for Riso certification. A successful certification is a requirement for working independently on the Riso at LCBA.
How to use the Riso independently at LCBA:
- Complete Introduction to Riso 1, 2, & 3
- Book and pass the Certification Test to confirm your readiness for independent use of Riso
- Become a studio member by purchasing a Studio Pass
- With your Studio Pass, make a booking to use the Riso 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).
Please refer to the Materials & Consumables and Paper Price List in the Members Welcome Pack for price of masters, ink, and papers.
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Location
London Centre for Book Arts
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Instructor
Arthur Yu
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Dates
Saturday 12 September 2026
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Time
10am–5pm
About LCBA
London Centre for Book Arts is a recognised artist-run, open-access studio with a focus on books and publications. Since 2012, LCBA has been at the forefront of teaching and promoting the heritage craft of bookbinding in the UK. Based on our popular workshops, Making Books: a guide to creating hand-crafted books by the London Centre for Book Arts was published in 2017 and has since been published in seven different languages.
Workshop participants receive 10% discount on purchases made in-person from the LCBA Shop on the day of the workshop.
Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to make a workshop, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can re-list your place. We are a very small organisation and proceeds from each ticket goes towards crucial overheads.
Cancellations made after 21 days before the start date of the workshop are not refundable or transferable.
Workshop refunds or transfers are subject to an admin fee of 10% of the ticket cost, or £25 per ticket, whichever is lower.
Waitlist
If a workshop you wish to join is fully booked, please email us to be put on the waitlist in the event of any cancellations
Bespoke Workshops
We run bespoke workshops & experiences for individuals and groups – for more information please emailhello@londonbookarts.org
Accessibility
LCBA is wheelchair accessible and barrier free.
There are accessible, gender neutral toilets.
Public transport options to LCBA can be seen under Find Us, but the routes from stations to LCBA has uneven pavements that are narrow.
There are two disabled parking spaces just across the road from the entrance to LCBA.
For more information on access please email hello@londonbookarts.org