Introduction to Letterpress

Introduction to Letterpress covers the fine art of letterpress printing. Projects introduce students to the basics of letterpress printing for the Vandercook proof press including hand typesetting, typography, composition, locking up, printing, and distribution.

Students also create a multi-color reduction linoleum block project, which covers registration, printing, and color separation techniques. The Otis Lab Press is a fully functioning studio with four Vandercook proof presses and over 200 typefaces.

Established in 1984 by Sheila de Brettville as part of the Communication Arts Department, the Lab Press has a rich history of small edition book publishing. Students actively participate and produce award-winning books that have become a permanent part of university rare book collections throughout Southern California.

Instructor: Janet Kupchick