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

 

Cylinder Core Certificate Program

The handfed 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 the 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.
 

Cylinder Core 3 :: Posterized

Develop your letterpress design skills and aesthetic while increasing your letterpress versatility: learn to set up the press, refine your registration skills, and run an edition. Learn more about packing, roller height, and make-ready. Students will have access to the Center's collection of wood type and cuts (images) for this project. Come ready to run an edition of your own 12 x 15" poster!
 

Competencies Gained:

• Builds on skills from Cylinder Core 1 and 2

Knowledge:

• Press mechanics and proper use of the press
• Press/job setup
• Proper cleanup

Skills:

• Packing / make-ready
• Adjusting paper guides
• Adjusting roller height
• Mixing ink
• Increased familiarity with the cylinder (Vandercook) proof press
   

>> Prerequisites: Cylinder Core 1 & 2 <<
 

Materials to Bring: All tools and materials will be provided. Students can bring ideas for a poster-worthy short phrase, probably just a few words to set in large type.

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, March 22, 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:

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

“Alan’s knowledge and passion for printing came through in both action and words. His easy manner and availability was encouraging and so helpful. All his advice on and off press was gold!”

“Gave us a little bit of guidance but made this an experience mostly driven by us - our own questions, mistakes, and efforts to solve problems. Allen was encouraging, kind, and enthusiastic.”