Discover how the first printers printed in the 15th century

How were the first books printed? We do not know exactly, but by using letterpress printing practices – hand setting type, damping paper and printing on a handpress – we can come to a better understanding of the early methods of printed book production.

The aim of this workshop is to introduce participants to letterpress printing and relate the techniques involved today to some of those used in the fifteenth century. It is particularly suitable for students of book history, conservators and those with an interest in letterpress or printing history.

Day 1

Type. Introduction to moveable type; hand setting type; printing a broadside on a handpress. Relating this hands-on experience to the study of early printed books, their layout and design.

Day 2

Press. Looking at the press in the 15th century: how paper was placed cleanly on the press for printing and removed cleanly, efficiently and repeatedly. Discovering clues in early printed books about methods used by 15th-century printers.

Paper. Introduction to handmade paper: how it is made; 15th-century paper sizes; damping paper for use. Clues from 15th-century books about paper damping and the one- or two-pull press.

• Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September 2011
• Sessions run 11:00am–6:00pm Saturday and 11.00am–4.00pm Sunday (lunch break 1.00–2.00pm)
• Class Size: 6

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