This is an in-person workshop. All students and the instructor must show proof of vaccination against Covid-19 and agree to wear a mask for the duration of the class unless otherwise announced by SFCB. If you choose to complete the registration process you are agreeing to these terms.

 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.

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

Cylinder Core 2 :: Power of the Broadside

Build your letterpress skills: learn advanced justification, typesetting, and composition. Put it all together to print a broadside of your own design.

Competencies Gained:

• Builds on skills from Cylinder Core 1

Knowledge:

• How composition, justification and registration combine on press

Skills:

• Basic letterpress design
• Composition of a tight line
• Line justification
• Making a line cut work with type
• Locking up a form in a chase
• Case memorization for speed in composition and distribution
• Proficiency in using the composing stick

Equipment:

• Increased familiarity with the cylinder (Vandercook) press

Materials to Bring: None

>> Prerequisite: Cylinder Core 1 <<

Workshop + Materials Fee: $200.00
Scholarships available; click here to apply

*Students registering for the full Core series will receive a $100 discount off the total cost. Please call or email to enroll at the discounted rate.*

Date & Time: Saturday, November 5, 2022 :: 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 three days prior to the start date of the workshop.

About the Instructor | Alan Hillesheim

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:

“The pace, support and environment were helpfully relaxed, but full of tips and tricks which I especially appreciated. It was great having access to Alan's knowledge, which he shared.”

“I really enjoyed Alan's attitude (nothing is a mistake in letterpress!) and getting to do most of the printing process by myself. I thought he called out a lot of interesting/informative details as we were each printing on different presses.”

“Alan is especially good at working with the students to problem solve. He does not take over for us, but offers advice, answers and sometimes hands on help to solve problems.”