Our hobby printer is retiring from his main job in September. One of the “What are you going to do in retirement?” replies is that he has a printing press in the garage. So, given some time to clear out the debris and create a working space again it is hoped to get the press rolling again!
Letterpress course for apprentice
I shared that my daughter, Ruby wanted to continue the Taylor tradition of Letterpress printing and learn to use our press.
Today she is attending a one day course at the London Centre for Book Arts in East London. This was part of her Christmas present this year.
The centre runs a number of courses, here’s the link to the one today.
“Workshop participants will have an introduction to the composing room, and will be introduced to the Adana, Vandercook, FAG and Stephenson Blake presses.
Participants will learn how to:
Hand typesetting in both lead and wooden type
Lock up work into a forme
Selecting paper stock
Choosing and mixing inks
Prepare work, order, and print from polymer plates
The correct and safe use of the press.
Upon completion of the workshop, participants will leave with their own hand-printed edition and will be able work independently on the presses by becoming a studio member or purchasing a Studio Pass. Find out more.
All tools and materials provided.”
Hope Ruby learns lots and I look forward to her practicing at Woodside Press (Rochester)
Letterpress course for apprentice
I shared that my daughter, Ruby wanted to continue the Taylor tradition of Letterpress printing and learn to use our press.
Today she is attending a one day course at the London Centre for Book Arts in East London. This was part of her Christmas present this year.
The centre runs a number of courses, here’s the link to the one today.
“Workshop participants will have an introduction to the composing room, and will be introduced to the Adana, Vandercook, FAG and Stephenson Blake presses.
Participants will learn how to:
Hand typesetting in both lead and wooden type
Lock up work into a forme
Selecting paper stock
Choosing and mixing inks
Prepare work, order, and print from polymer plates
The correct and safe use of the press.
Upon completion of the workshop, participants will leave with their own hand-printed edition and will be able work independently on the presses by becoming a studio member or purchasing a Studio Pass. Find out more.
All tools and materials provided.”
Hope Ruby learns lots and I look forward to her practicing at Woodside Press (Rochester)
Wedding Plans
Jessica and Samuel’s Order of Service is progressing. Fitting into the forme and identifying any loose type. Two lines needed adjustment.
Next we are ready to ink up and see how it looks on paper (then card!).
Apprentice Makes Good 1st Impression
Our apprentice printer Ruby Taylor keeps her first ever printed impression.
The Press is Rolling
The first impressions are the best….
Here is the first of the Orders of Service for Jessica and Samuel’s marriage.
With my apprentice’s help we have completed the print run. Well done Ruby!
Wedding Plans
Block Shop
I have previously used polymer blocks but have found a supplier of zinc and magnesium blocks at reasonable cost. Visit the Block Shop for a comprehensive guide to specifications and artwork specs. Couldn’t order online but prompt and helpful customer service from this firm.
1st block ordered ready for printing my daughter’s wedding order of services.
Back in Business
The Arab has laid dormant for some years but is now back in business. Partly due to interest from my youngest daughter who was horrified at my thoughts about possibly selling the machine as it takes up 90% of my garage. She plans to learn how to print. My other daughter is getting married next month and asked if I could produce the Orders of Service; my father produced these for my wedding 33 years ago so it will be nice to continue that tradition.
I have oiled everything that could be, cleaned rollers and replaced leather roller guides and she running more smoothly than she had for many years. Composing sticks had become rusty and were treated with an overnight soak in white vinegar and some wire wool to restore to their former condition.
My old supplier, Waltham Paper Co has ceased trading and many suppliers have stopped stocking blank wedding stationery cards. Ebay was the answer eventually.
I did a trial run of a block with some new inks. It means I can move forward and produce at least the cover pages by Lettrpress. The inserts will be word-processed.