Letterpress: Man & Machine
A book comparing Letterpress printing with modern day print and design processes.
- Designed for: Graphic Design BA(Hons)
For the final year of my Graphic Design BA(Hons) course, I decided to emphasise on letterpress printing, comparing this traditional method with modern day techniques.
Research for the book
The initial research for the project took me to various UK letterpress workshops such as the Alembic Press in Oxford, Hand & Eye in London and the Print Workshop at Amberley Working Museum. Not only did I get to interview the printers, I was also able to learn first hand about letterpress printing and the processes involved.
My research also involved visiting design agencies that actively used letterpress in their work. One in particular being Turnbull Grey in London who have various print presses with metal and wooden type in their studio.
The book itself
The book itself was completely custom designed. The pages were printed in two stages, initially using a digital printer and then overprinted using a hand letterpress. This was to reflect the content of the book.
The book was hand bound at the Bookbinders of Lewes. They also produced a custom drilled cover and book box.
- Next project: Graduate Exhibition