INTRODUCTION TO LETTERPRESS 2: Composition & Design for Print 26/09/2026

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

What You'll Learn

Building on the core principles of Introduction to Letterpress 1, participants will be guided through the principles of typographic composition and design in letterpress printing — developing the skills to plan, set, and print more considered and ambitious work.

Topics that will be covered during the workshop:

- Working with wood and metal type in multiple typefaces, sizes, and weights across a single composition (hands-on)

- Setting and printing a two-colour print (hands-on)

- Understanding type scales, spacing, and the conventions of hand-typesetting 

- Layout using proofs / paste-ups and the typographic grid

- How to incorporate images from plates and decorative ornaments with type

- Selecting paper stocks

- Adjusting impression, ink coverage, and registration

- Distributing type correctly and best practice for press clean up

Participants are encouraged to bring along a rough layout or design idea — a short text, a simple image, or a combination — which they will develop into a small edition of prints during the session.

This workshop is designed for those who have completed Introduction to Letterpress 1 (or with similar experience) and to prepare participants for Introduction to Letterpress 3 and the subsequent Letterpress Certification process at LCBA. A successful certification is a requirement for working independently on the presses at LCBA.

Requirements

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

- A rough layout, short text, or design idea to develop into a print (digital or hand-drawn sketch welcome)

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).