Discover the craft of letterpress printing
In this course, instructor Elizabeth Adams will introduce you to letterpress printing and you will pursue a project of your own while learning more advanced techniques such as two-colour printing.
Based in the Bodleian’s letterpress workshop within the Schola Musicae, Bodleian Old Library, you will learn the art of hand-composition with wood and metal type. The workshop includes an orientation to a range of hand-operated presses in the workshop, including the 'Duerer Press', a replica of a wooden 15th-century press, Albion and Columbian platen presses, a ‘Western’ (Vandercook-style) proofing press, and a star-wheel etching press.
This course is suitable for beginners and for those with some experience of printing. In consultation with the instructor, you will match your project to your current level of ability and learn new skills as you go along.
The classes take place on Tuesdays, 5.30–8pm, on the following dates: 21 January, 28 January, 4 February, 18 February, 25 February and 4 March 2025.
Tutor
Elizabeth Adams is a librarian with a focus on special collections, a letterpress printer with her own private press, Juxon Press, and Honorary Treasurer of the Oxford Bibliographical Society.
Tickets and booking information
Standard ticket: £230
Concession ticket (Oxford University students and staff, Oxford Brookes students and staff, and Friends of the Bodleian): £210
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Location
Printing workshop, Schola Musicae, Bodleian Old Library, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG
The class will meet in the printing workshop in the Schola Musicae, Bodleian Old Library. The room is accessible via a ground-floor entrance. Please report to the Bodleian Library Great Gate, accessed from Catte Street, upon arrival.
Wheelchair access
The Schola Musicae is wheelchair accessible.
