TEACHERS:
Lucio Passerini
Artist, Printer
Daniele Facchin
Bookbinder
OBJECTIVES
A limited edition handmade book from A to Z. The aim is to experience the process of making a book by hand, using movable type to set the text and printing on an historic iron handpress and on a proof press. The participants will be introduced to the basic rules of letterpress printing: the entire printing process, from handsetting type to inking and printing with the handpress. After printing, on the last day the participants will be introduced to binding a book by hand, learning the basics of this age-old practice, which made the preservation of printed books possible.
WORKING TECHNIQUE
LETTERPRESS
Letterpress printing is a form of relief printing. Printing from movable type was invented in China, and then again four centuries later in Europe, around 1450. Letterpress printing remained the primary method of printing until the 19th century. Today, letterpress is loved by many for leaving a tactile and visual impression into the paper. It exposes digital designers to the history of the typographic craft within a book form, a medium that fosters dialogue and engenders intimate learning experiences.
HAND BOOKBINDING
Bookbinding is an artistic craft that began way back in the fifth century and has today become a highly mechanized, modern industry. Even in our digital age, many people still love books and binding remains an integral part of book-making.
TIMING AND CONTENT
4-DAY WORKSHOP: 24 hr practice + 8 hr visit & project
Day 1
EXPLORING TYPOGRAPHY & BOOK DESIGN
Guided visit to Tipoteca including the library and introduction to the printing equipment. Overview of the history of printing.
Project, planning and design of the book.
Day 2-3
HAND SETTING & PRINTING
Introduction to the printing workshop and use of the tools: movable type, composing stick, typecase and furniture.
Use of movable type to hand print texts and create printing forms. Preparation of the paper and brief introduction to the use of ink.
Printing on presses: iron handpress (manually operated) and cylinder proof press.
Day 4
BOOKBINDING
Short introduction to binding tools and techniques. Folding the sheets by hand and sewing the printed signatures. Making and gluing the cover and finishing the book.
