Discover the craft of letterpress printing

Based in the Bodleian’s letterpress workshop in the Bodleian Old Library, you will learn the art of hand-composition with wood and metal type, and will learn to print using hand-operated presses. 

You will pursue a project of your own while learning more advanced techniques such as two-colour printing. 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 course is led by Alice Hackney with support from Elizabeth Adams.

Schedule

Please note: there is no class on 2 June.

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.

Alice Hackney is an artist and printmaker, working from her studio with Fusion Arts. She is a Producer at Modern Art Oxford, and a Printmaking Tutor at Christ Church, University of Oxford. 

Richard Lawrence is a printer with his own workshop in Oxford. He has taught historical printing at the Bodleian Libraries and St Bride, and works with artists and bookmakers.

Course information

• The course fee is £250 (standard) or £230 for concessions (Oxford University students and staff, Oxford Brookes students and staff, and Friends of the Bodleian).
• This course takes place in person in the printing workshop in the Schola Musicae at the Bodleian Old Library. Please report to the Bodleian Library Great Gate, accessed from Catte Street, upon arrival. How to get here.
• The printing workshop has step-free access. About accessibility at our site.