Workshop Fee (includes materials fee): $200
Scholarships available; click here to apply.

This is an in-person workshop. As of January 2023, masks are strongly encouraged but not required, unless otherwise indicated. 

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 workshops must be taken sequentially.

Click here to learn more about the Cylinder Core Certificate Program. 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.

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. In this class you will learn how to 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 cylinder (Vandercook) press and safety points
• Movable type and cuts 

Materials to Bring: None. All tools and materials will be provided.

Date & Time: Sunday, January 22, 2023 :: 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 to allow the instructor time to prep materials for class. 
 

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:

 “I liked that we had so much freedom to create our own projects, and the fact that Alan was so supportive of all of the ideas that we had.”

“Loved it - Learned about presses, how to typeset, ink, print - and got 15 Thank You cards for all the hard work. Alan was really patient and gave each of us individual help. Excellent teacher.”

“So much fun!  It was a complicated class, yet with individual help we all accomplished the objectives. I've yet to take a mediocre class at the center.”

“Very clear, always open to questions, I got plenty of focused hands-on help. It was a great experience.”