Course:Introduction to Letterpress

Join us for a hands-on day of history as you learn about letterpress printing and create a selection of prints to take home! Under the guidance of your tutor, printmaker Mark Pavey, this workshop will introduce you to the concepts, history, and applications of letterpress while providing practical experience with different letterpress printing presses and techniques. This fun and friendly workshop is suitable for complete beginners. 

**What to Wear:** 
Please wear suitable clothing for a day of printing and comfortable, closed-toe footwear. 

**Accessibility:** 
Our workshop space is fully accessible. 

**Age Requirement:** 
16+ (Participants aged 16-18 must be accompanied by a participating adult.) 

**What is Letterpress Printing?** 
Before the advent of computers and modern printing techniques, the world relied on letterpress for all kinds of publications, which is considered one of the most important inventions of all time. Letterpress printing uses metal or wooden movable type that is inked by hand or by the press. Paper or fabric is then pressed onto it to create a beautiful impression. 

**Times:** 
11 AM - 4 PM 

**What’s Included?** 
- Light refreshments 
- All materials provided (inks, paper, tools, and equipment) 
- You will leave the workshop with a selection of printed materials. 
*Please note that lunch is not included in your ticket price. Feel free to bring a packed lunch or enjoy our on-site facilities.*

**Language:** 
Our programme includes Welsh, English and bilingual courses. This course will be held in the first language of the facilitator, which is English.

**Your Tutor:** 
Mark Pavey is a printmaker and educator based in Swansea, specialising in letterpress printing for 20 years. He produces a range of his own prints and designs while also leading creative printmaking workshops for all ages, supporting traditional craft learning alongside contemporary technologies.

**Workshop Outline:** - 
**11 AM - 1 PM:** 
Introductions Attendees will be shown the equipment, examples of prints, and the history of the process before printing a small selection of designs on a proofing press. – 
**1 PM - 1:30 PM:** 
Refreshment Break – 
**1:30 PM - 3:30 PM:** 
Poster Printing In the afternoon, attendees will be introduced to the museum’s magnificent 19th-century Stanhope Press and will work together to create a one-of-a-kind poem poster. Using antique woodtype, attendees will hand-set their own line of the poem, in your preferred language of choice, which will be assembled with others to create a unique poster. Each participant will pull their own print to take home. – 
**3:30 PM - 4 PM:** 
Wrap-Up 

*Please note that lunch is not included in your ticket price. You are welcome to bring a packed lunch or enjoy our on-site facilities.
Full terms and conditions for our courses are available to view here.