Presented as part of the sixth annual York Ghost Week.
Inspired by tales of misprints, mischief, and censorship, participants in this two-day workshop will delve into the turbulent history of print, and learn about the extraordinary figures who have practiced the craft of printing in York.
Participants will step into the pressroom to learn new skills in letterpress and lino printing, exploring techniques including overprinting and ‘ghost’ printing to produce a unique, handprinted artefact.
The workshop is taught over two days, Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 October from 10:00 to 16:00, at Thin Ice Press: the York Centre for Print, an exceptionally well-equipped printing and printmaking studio in the heart of York.
Tickets include expert tuition, all materials, and a special edition Ghost.
Your Tutors:
Helen Smith is Professor of Renaissance Literature at the University of York and Director of Thin Ice Press: the York Centre for Print. She is an expert in early books and printing and a leader in practice-led research, with a passion for letterpress.
Nick Gill is Master Printer at Thin Ice Press: the York Centre for Print. He has been working as a full-time letterpress printer, typefounder and book artist for the last 17 years. He has taught many printers in the early stages of their work, who have gone on to become some of the finest printers working today, and his Effra Press & Typefoundry is one of only a handful still casting type. Nick was awarded England Maker of the Year in the 2024 Heritage Crafts Awards.
Phil Treble is a typographer, letterpress printer and bookbinder, with over 15 years experience publishing fine press books and printing typographic art prints under the name Muttons & Nuts. In his career he has worked for Cambridge University Press, Penguin Books and Sotheby’s and as a freelancer has designed books for the Cardozo-Kindersley Workshop. He is a member of the Fine Press Book Association and holds an MA in Publishing from York St John University.
£295. Suitable for beginners, 16+. Light lunches and refreshments will be provided.
Letterpress printing involves fine manual work and may be challenging for those with limited hand mobility or arthritis. Please contact us before booking to discuss any access needs so we can do our best to support your participation.
The ancient city of York has a reputation for being the most haunted city in Europe, perhaps even the world. There is a rich tradition here of ghost story telling which stretches back for many centuries.
The fifth annual York Ghost Week presented by theYork Ghost Merchants is dedicated to exploring and celebrating the city’s longstanding links with its ghosts.