About

This is the first class in a three-part series.

Letterpress: It’s exacting but rewarding. We will begin with a non-technical exploration of relief printing, getting ink on paper right from the start, using the BARN’s simplest presses. We’ll learn terminology while getting acquainted with the measurements that printers have used for centuries. You will choose from the Print & Book Arts Studio collection of antique type to set a few simple lines, letter-by-letter while stepping into the wide world of type and letterform. By the end of the day, you will have your own printed pieces to take home.

To further your skills after this class, you may want to register for Letterpress Basics 2 held on Saturday, March 12, and Letterpress Basics 3 held on Saturday, March 19. This class, Letterpress Basics 1 is a prerequisite for registering for 2 and 3.

Details:

• Please bring a lunch. We have a refrigerator and microwave for your use located on the lower level.
• Please click here for BARN's current COVID-19 health & safety protocols.
  
• BARN is committed to accessibility. Tuition Assistance is available - click here to fill out the simple application before registering for a class. For those who might need physical assistance, please learn about BARN's Companion Program here. 

Instructor Bios:

Instructors are Ellie Mathews and Carl Youngmann. Carl began setting type letter by letter in 1960; Ellie combines her experience as a designer with her willingness to explore the techniques of relief printing. Together, they operate The North Press in Port Townsend, where they focus on the production of poetry broadsides with occasional adventures into ephemera, posters, cards, and whimsies. Working as a team, they will share with you their passion for the craft while guiding participants step-by-step toward taking independent command of the process.