Workshop Fee (includes materials fee): $225
Click here to apply for a Windgate scholarship

 

Cylinder Core Certificate Program

The hand-fed cylinder proof press, also known as the Vandercook press, has a special place in both print history and in teaching book arts. Immediate and accessible, yet nuanced and specific, it is the press that introduced many of us to letterpress.

The four class Cylinder Core Certificate Program allows students to move quickly through press basics while also addressing relief printing in general. Students who finish the four Core classes are qualified to rent press time as well as move on to more advanced classes and techniques. Core classes must be taken in order, 1 through 4.

Click here to learn more about the Cylinder Core Certificate Program and how to receive a discount.

Cylinder Core 1 :: Experience Letterpress!

Dig in to the tradition and history of letterpress printing and get your hands dirty. Learn about the process and practice of setting type, mixing inks and pulling impressions. Students will design and print a small edition of a single-color folded greeting card using the type and cuts (images) in the SFCB collection.

Competencies Gained:

Knowledge:

• Introductory history of the art and craft of relief printing
• How letterpress printing works

Skills:

• Introduction to the type case, composition and the composing stick
• Introduction to studio practices
• Pulling a print

Equipment:

• Introduction to the cylinder (Vandercook) press and safety points
• Movable type and cuts 

 

>> Prerequisite: None <<

Materials to Bring: All tools and materials will be provided. Students can come with a few phrases/ideas for their greeting card.

Please note: Class projects are for learning particular skills and supporting class dynamics. Project ideas should be flexible, open to what class time and communal studio use will permit.

Date & Time: Saturday, January 18, 2025 :: 9:30am-5:30pm

Location: 375 Rhode Island St, San Francisco, CA 94103

NOTE: Please read over the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class. Registration will close approximately three days prior to the start date of the workshop to allow the instructor time to prep materials for class. We recommend you not wait to register, as workshops that don't meet our minimum enrollment will be canceled, sometimes as much as a week in advance.
 

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About the Instructor | Alan Hillesheim (he/him)

Alan Hillesheim has been wrenching around printing presses for 35 years. Printing presses need to be moved, oiled, inked, cleaned, and maintained, in short they need attention like a six year old. Maintenance is a dirty business, but a necessary one for beautifully printed anything. Alan has a passion for the mechanics of the print studio and enjoys encouraging others to roll up their sleeves and grab a wrench. His 35 years in the letterpress business and “all-ten-fingers” count speak for themselves. Join him and wear old clothes.

Oh, and once the press is in fine order, Alan has a few secrets to divulge about perfect inking and stellar printing.

Past Student Reviews:

“Starting with no knowledge of letterpress, I learned everything I needed to get through one edition, from set-up to clean-up. The instructor and my fellow students were very helpful and patient. I had a lot of fun and I have the results of my printing to show for it.”

“Alan has the ability to meet each student at their individual skill and experience level, and teaches to each individual's level. Greatly enjoyed my first class!”

“Alan is so full of wisdom and good humor and he’s a great teacher, allowing students to learn at their own pace.”