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- Introduction to Letterpress Printing – W...
Introduction to Letterpress Printing – Weekend Workshop
- Ages: 18+
- Term: Summer
- Length: 1 day
Overview
Discover the rich history and creative potential of letterpress printing in this hands-on, one-day introductory workshop. Designed for beginners, this inky adventure provides a unique opportunity to explore the art of traditional printmaking and bring your ideas to life through carefully crafted posters and prints.
To book your place today, simply click the 'Book Now' button to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates.
About this course
Dive into the history of letterpress printing, understanding its influence across various printing disciplines, and learn how these techniques can be adapted and applied to contemporary design projects.
Under expert guidance, you'll handle type, experiment with different inking techniques, and explore the principles of composition and layout using a selection of Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)'s metal and wooden type collection. You'll get all the hands-on experience with iconic presses and resources at AUB.
In this hands-on workshop, you'll discover the rich history and creative potential of letterpress printing. Designed for beginners, you'll be provided with a unique opportunity to explore the art of traditional printmaking and bring your ideas to life through carefully crafted posters and prints.
You'll spend the day by setting metal type and then moving on to wooden type in the afternoon. Throughout this fast-paced day, you'll learn the fundamentals of setting up and operating vintage printing presses, including sourcing machines, basic maintenance, and tips for achieving the best possible print quality.
Taught by Sally Hope, a graphic designer, letterpress printmaker, and senior lecturer at AUB, you'll be introduced to the creative processes and specialist methods to generate and create an inspired and unique collection of personal work.
By the end of the workshop, you'll have designed and printed your own bespoke letterpress work, gaining new skills in type handling, inking, and printing techniques. Whether you’re a complete beginner or eager to explore this historic craft, this workshop promises a creative and enriching experience, leaving you with a set of unique prints and a deeper appreciation for the art of letterpress.
Join us to transform your ideas into reality and take your design and practical skills to the next level!
Once you've completed this course you will be able to enrol onto more advanced courses.
- Comprehensive introduction into history of letterpress printing
- Understand how to use a specialist letterpress
- Exploration of materials, methods and specialist techniques
- How to transform ideas and develop imagery into prints
At the end of the course, you'll:
- Possess a comprehensive understanding of a wide variety of printmaking processes and techniques
- Be able to work safely, effectively, and efficiently with professional equipment and tools, applying your new skills to a range of materials
- Be able to demonstrate significance understanding in letterpress printing processes and have the confidence to make your ideas as physical print
- Possess a good knowledge of colour theory and how an imagery develops with various colours
- Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
- Have boosted creativity and imagination
- Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course
- Assessment will be continuous throughout the workshop - you may even feel confident enough to become a successful independent printmaker
- Group share of work produced at the end of each workshop with the intention to support, inspire and encourage each other’s learning.
- You can request a certificate to confirm your achievements, providing you've a 100% attendance record. To request a certificate please get in touch with us at academy@aub.ac.uk and confirm your name and the title of course you've completed.
Will I be assessed?
No, there's no formal assessment. You’ll group share your work at the end of each session with the intention to support, inspire and encourage each other’s learning.
As the course progresses, your tutor will measure your overall performance and offer essential guidance and feedback so you know how you're getting on.
Meet your tutor
What you need to know
Summer term 2026
- Saturday 23 May, 09.00–16.00
- Saturday 30 May, 09.00–16.00
Age
Suitable for aspiring artists and printmakers aged 18 years (minimum).
Level
Beginners or anyone with some experience who want to refresh or develop their skills further.
Experience or qualifications required
None – this is an introductory course. We have no formal academic entry requirements for our short courses.
If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.
£169
Any additional costs
You'll need to provide some of your own art materials and equipment. This'll incur an additional cost if you need to purchase it for the course. See the 'What to bring to class' section below for full details.
Additional materials and resources will be provided by AUB and is included in your course fee.
- Notepad/sketchbook
- Pen/pencil
- Closed-toe footwear
Suggested Suppliers
Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you
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Book your place today
Book nowBeyond the course
This could just be the start of your creative journey! After this course, you could further your letterpress printing and design skills with another short course or look to the future and explore our creative qualifications that can prepare you to further your current career, enable you to retrain to an alternative career path or prepare you for future creative arts studies.
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More information about evening and weekend courses
Why choose AUB for your short course?
We're a first-choice provider of art and design short courses for anyone wishing to engage in art and design subjects in their spare time.
Reasons to study a short course
There are plenty of reasons to consider studying a creative short course. Perhaps you want to retrain, learn new skills, or just have fun...
How to book
Looking to book onto one of our Evening and Saturday courses? You’ll find everything you need to book your place here.