Introduction to Letterpress

 Registration is closed for this event

August 17th, 2023 6:30 PM

  • Instructor: Brian Ferrett
  • Workshop Type: Printing
  • Workshop Status: Closed
  • Sessions: 1
  • In-person or Online?: In-person

Workshop Fee (includes materials fee): $80
Scholarship 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. 


If you have heard about letterpress but are not really sure what it is or how it works, this class will allow you to peer inside the rich history and engaging techniques of letterpress printing. This class introduces the process, the materials, the machines, and the satisfaction of printing by hand on a Cylinder proof press. Participants will learn the basics of setting type using SFCB’s vast collection of lead type and decorative ornaments as well as inking, locking up and pulling a print.
 

>> Prerequisite: None <<
 

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

Date & Time: Thursday, August 17, 2023 :: 6:30-9:30pm

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 | Brian Ferrett (he/him)

Brian has a printing degree from MATC and worked in offset web and screen printing. In 2008 he joined M&H Type as a typecasting apprentice under Lewis Mitchell. These days he co-manages M&H's daily operations, maintains the historic casting machines and presses, casts type and prints for the various Arion Press publications. Brian is a member of the Northern California chapter of the American Printing History Association, the American Typecaster Fellowship, and volunteers with San Francisco Public Library's annual Valentine’s Day broadside event. In his spare time he plays around with his Vandercook 219AB, C&P New Style 10x15, and his two Kelseys.

Past Student Reviews:

“Brian was very knowledgable, organized, patient, and helpful. He kept a very relaxed atmosphere and let everyone explore and find their own projects with just enough support."

“Brian was fantastic.  I tend to ask a lot of questions and Brian was understanding and willing to answer all of them!  Brian set a nice pace of the class, supported each student with the process while still allowing them to experience the process.  He provided good background and reasons for each of the steps.”

“Brian was great and I would take a class with him again."

"Good mix of informative (history, how-to) and hands on."

375 Rhode Island St
San Francisco, CA 94103-5133
United States