Jobbing Platen Certificate Program

Chandler and Price may have ceased production of presses in 1964, but these stalwart machines will carry on the work to be done for decades to come. In light of that, we are offering our Core Certificate Program on these “Jobbing Platen” presses for those who want to treadle while they print. The jobbing platen is a workhorse for edition printing; once the printer understands how it responds, it faithfully and efficiently moves through the work. Students who finish the four core classes are qualified to rent press time as well as move on to more advanced classes and techniques.  Click here to learn more about the Core Certification Program and find out how you can get a discount on all your classes.

Jobbing Platen 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. Print your own cards!

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 jobbing platen press and safety points

  • Movable type and cuts

Materials to Bring: None

Prerequisite: None; optional: Introduction to Letterpress

Workshop + Materials Fee: $200.00

Date & Time: Saturday, September 24, 2016 :: 9:30am-5:30pm

Location: This workshop will take place at 375 Rhode Island St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Note: Please read the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class

About the Instructor | Alan Hillesheim

Alan Hillesheim has degrees in English Literature from UC Berkeley and the University of Chicago. Thus, lost in the woods without a compass, he apprenticed at Jim Robertson's Yolla Bolly Press, over his head in the black art. There he happened upon a dysfunctional paper-folding-machine which resembled a Norwegian snow sled wrecked by six drunks. He fixed it. And then began a 23 year adventure both printing and fixing machines from the golden age of letterpress. In addition to running Digger Pine Press into the ground, he also builds wooden boats for oar and sail and, most recently, fanciful wooden toys for a four year old. He is still writing the novel he started 25 years ago, Different Eyes.

Past Student Reviews

“Alan was an excellent teacher, passionate about the subject at hand and great at offering a thorough introduction to the workings of letterpress printing in one day."

“Wonderful that he is extremely knowledgeable and is current in printing.”

“He's great! Very knowledgeable about almost any topic regarding how to ink and print with letterpress."

Customize Your Certificate Program :: Choose the Date of Your Next Class

 Jobbing Platen Core 2 :: Power of the Broadside