INTRODUCTION TO LETTERPRESS 1: Printing Type & Images 19/09/2026

Suitable for complete beginners, this is the first in a three-part series of introductory letterpress workshops presented by the experts at the London Centre for Book Arts. All materials and tools are provided.

What is Letterpress?

Letterpress is a relief printing method with a history stretching back to the fifteenth century. Using movable type — cast from metal or carved from wood — along with polymer plates and other relief surfaces; ink is applied to a raised surface and transferred directly onto paper under pressure, producing a crisp, tactile impression that is impossible to replicate digitally.

Letterpress is a printing process particularly suited for cards, posters, artist books, and limited-edition publications.

What You'll Learn

During this workshop, participants will be given a broad introduction to a range of processes and possibilities on the letterpress proofing press — from hand-typesetting both metal and wood type, to printing with linocuts or polymer plates. Some processes will be covered practically, while others will be introduced through demonstration, giving you a thorough overview of what can be achieved before you begin developing your own projects in subsequent workshops.

Topics that will be covered during the day:

- Letterpress studio tour and introduction to tools, equipment, and materials

- Introduction to LCBA’s four proofing presses

- Setting type and locking up a forme (hands-on)

- An introduction to polymer plates and linocuts (demonstration)

- Setting and working with wood type (hands-on)

- Inking the press and printing a small edition (hands-on)

- Safe press operation and basic clean-up procedure (demonstration)

Upon completion, you will leave with a hand-printed edition, and an understanding of the core principles of letterpress printing to progress to Introduction to Letterpress 2.

This workshop is designed to prepare you for Introduction to Letterpress 2: Composition and Design for Print, followed by Introduction to Letterpress 3: Advanced Techniques. Completing all three introductory workshops qualifies you to apply for Letterpress Certification. A successful certification is a requirement for working independently on the presses at LCBA.

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).